Amweelo's family fumes as state-funded funeral denied

The family of former works and transport minister and Swapo parliamentarian Dr Moses Amweelo has expressed dismay after being informed of government’s new moratorium on state-funded funerals.Amweelo died on Monday night in a Windhoek private hospital after battling cancer, family sources confirmed.He was 73.Defence minister Frans Kapofi confirmed yesterday that a moratorium has been placed on state-funded funerals to allow government to review its policy regarding eligibility.“I can confirm it is true. There is a moratorium put in place for state-funded funerals. The matter is being reviewed,” Kapofi told Namibian Sun.A family member of the late Amweelo, who reached out to Namibian Sun, said their request to government, submitted through the ruling Swapo Party, was rejected.According to the family member, they reached out to Swapo member of parliament Elifas Dingara to lobby for a state-funded funeral for the late Amweelo.The source further said that when Swapo Party secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa visited the family, they also shared their request.However, the bombshell was dropped when they reached out to Kapofi, who informed them about the moratorium.The family member added: “How can we be writing letters if his credentials can speak for itself? We expected the government to bury their own comrade. What if a senior person dies today? Will they also be blocked?”The family also expressed disappointment, claiming that government leaders failed to express sympathy with the family during this difficult time.Public announcement urgent When contacted for comment, Namibian National Liberation Veterans Association (NNLVA) president Ben Shikongo yesterday told Namibian Sun that he was not aware of the moratorium.“I am not aware of that. It is just a hearsay for now. It should be announced. The public should be informed in writing. How will I inform my members?" he noted."I will enquire about this matter, and only then I can inform my members. People are now up in arms; things should not only be said verbally,” Shikongo underlined.Costly farewellsEarlier this year, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare was quoted saying that state and official funerals cost taxpayers N$38.4 million during the 2024/2025 financial year.An additional N$2.5 million was spent on Heroes’ Day commemorations, while Independence Day celebrations cost the government N$25.6 million.Ngurare made these revelations while motivating the Office of the Prime Minister’s budget in the National Assembly.The government has yet to reveal the cost of late President Hage Geingob's funeral, who passed away on 4 February 2024.Although no official breakdown of funeral expenses for founding president Sam Nujoma's burial has been released, some reports estimate the cost to have been between N$30 million and N$38 million, covering air transport, memorial events, security and ceremonies.Long-serving Born in Okatana in the Oshana Region in 1952, Amweelo trained as a teacher at the Ongwediva College of Education, among other institutions. He later obtained a doctorate in technical science, industrial engineering and management from the International Transport Academy in St Petersburg, Russia.Following his departure from parliament, Amweelo served as a part-time lecturer at both the International University of Management and the University of Namibia.Namibian Sun has also established that Amweelo was accredited to build State House and the national railway line from Tsumeb to Oshikango.kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

Amweelo's family fumes as state-funded funeral denied

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-04

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Amweelo's family fumes as state-funded funeral denied

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-04

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