Funeral uproar spreads

KENYA KAMBOWE





Tempers flared at the state-funded memorial service of People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) commander Matias ‘Mbulunganga’ Ndakolo on Friday, after safety and security minister Charles Namoloh claimed some war veterans are being left out in the cold.

His comments sparked an uproar on social media over the weekend.

Namoloh, who was a senior figure in PLAN and is also a former army general, was immediately castigated by both former President Hifikepunye Pohamba and head of state Hage Geingob at the memorial service.

Namoloh delivered a speech on behalf of the comrades and friends of the late Mbulunganga, who was a revered PLAN commander. Mbulunganga died on 4 December at the age of 75 and was accorded a heroes’ funeral this past weekend at Eenhana.

Namoloh has received widespread support from the public for his comments about the exclusion of war veterans, with many agreeing they are only being honoured when they pass away.

This comes after Pohamba publicly called on Geingob to summon Namoloh, so he can explain what he was talking about at the memorial service.

Namoloh’s supporters argue that the minister’s sentiments do not warrant any explanation, adding his sentiments are a true reflection of what is happening on the ground.

An emotional Namoloh used his memorial service address as an opportunity to express his views on how some PLAN commanders and fighters feel after independence.

Namoloh said it is unacceptable that government allows fallen heroes to have unmarked graves.

The minister said Geingob’s slogan “No Namibian should feel left out” should prevail at all times, in order to avoid feelings of exclusion.

“I think we are feeling left out as PLAN commanders and fighters,” Namoloh said.

However, minutes later Pohamba lashed out at Namoloh, saying the minister’s statements were incorrect and that he must explain them to Geingob.

Pohamba informed the gathering that Namoloh has been a minister for many years, and that he has had ample time to engage cabinet on the issues he raised, and he should not hijack a mass gathering.

“President, you should call Namoloh so that he explains to you,” Pohamba said.

Shortly thereafter, Geingob responded to Namoloh by saying that he has only served as president for less than four years, while war veterans have been living in Namibia for the past 28 years.

Geingob also indicated that when it comes to the issue of state funerals, there is a veterans’ committee that decides who should be accorded such burials, and not him.

Shortly after the funeral shenanigans, Namibians took to social media to tongue-lash Pohamba and Geingob.

Concurring with Namoloh, many youth pointed out that Namoloh’s sentiments are indeed a true reflection of what is happening in Namibia.

Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda was among those who jumped in, advising Pohamba that he should keep his opinions to himself.

Other youth posted that Namoloh is one of the country’s heroes and should be treated in such as manner.

Laid to rest

Ndakolo, known as Mbulunganga, was laid to rest the following day at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine in Ohangwena.

Scores of people from all walks of life paid their final respects to their fallen hero, who played a vital role in the attainment of Namibia’s Independence.

“Comrade Ndakolo has walked a long path to arrive at his final destination, but he has walked it with distinction,” Geingob said.

At Ndakolo’s memorial service that took place at his homestead at Eenghango village on Friday, heartfelt condolences were expressed by family and friends, who all described him as a man of stature.

Namoloh, who personally worked with Ndakolo, indicated he has an emotional attachment to the late commander.

Namoloh said Ndakolo was a soft-spoken man, who had high integrity and respect.

Founding president Sam Nujoma, who narrated Ndakolo’s liberation history, explained why he was a selfless leader.

“The late Colonel Mbulunganga’s obituary bears testimony to the fact that the history of our armed liberation struggle is filled with his valuable contributions. He came into an unjust and unequal world, which required his early activism, and like others of his generation, he was shaped by the epoch through which he lived, but he also had a willingness to sacrifice his own wellbeing for the good of others,” Nujoma said.

Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa praised Ndakolo for his heroic deeds, saying that his immense contribution during the liberation struggle was not in vain.

Ndakolo is survived by his wife, Haili Amalwa Mukwanekamba, four siblings, five children and 24 grandchildren.