Joy and grief at Pohamba burial

Former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba's wish to see her youngest daughter become a mother was fulfilled just hours before she was laid to rest at the family homestead in the Ohangwena region on Saturday.Her daughter, Ndapanda, gave birth to a healthy baby boy at 02:00 on 31 October, the same day family members, political leaders and mourners gathered to bid their final farewell.President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah broke the news during her address at the burial ceremony, describing the birth as a blessing for the grieving family.The president recalled that Ndapanda had paid a moving tribute at the memorial service in Windhoek the previous day, saying her mother had hoped to welcome a grandchild from her daughter.Nandi-Ndaitwah then announced that the family's wish had been fulfilled in the early hours of the morning.The birth brought a moment of celebration to an otherwise sombre ceremony as the family bid farewell to the woman who had been at the centre of their lives for decades.Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated former president Hifikepunye Pohamba and the entire family on the arrival of the baby.Special funeralPohamba, who died on Saturday, 17 October, at the age of 78 at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, was buried on Saturday at the family cemetery at Okanghudi village in the Ondobe Constituency of the Ohangwena region.The former first lady served from 2005 to 2015, during the presidency of her husband, and was accorded a special funeral in recognition of her contribution to Namibia.During her tribute, Nandi-Ndaitwah also paid particular attention to the relationship between the former first lady and her husband, describing her as a lifelong companion who had stood beside him through the liberation struggle, the responsibilities of national leadership and the raising of their family.

Joy and grief at Pohamba burial

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-02

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Joy and grief at Pohamba burial

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-02

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