‘Her life deserves to be celebrated with gratitude’

In a tribute to her late aunt, Penehupifo Pohamba, Albertina Nadula Hainane said the former first lady's wisdom and encouragement had helped shape her social development work, particularly her efforts to address social challenges and unemployment in Namibia.Known as ‘Meekulu Nadula Nghelo’, Hainane told Namibian Sun that she had deliberately avoided using family connections or her aunt’s name to gain access to decision-makers while seeking support for the initiatives established through her registered institutions.Instead, she wanted the proposals to follow the appropriate procedures, undergo independent evaluation and be considered on their own merits.“When I once shared it with Meme Pohamba how difficult it had been to reach the right decision-makers, Mama’s advice was simple but profound: ‘Write letters and follow proper channels,’” Hainane said.She followed the advice, and her submissions eventually began receiving acknowledgement from relevant offices.Hainane said she also chose to keep the national initiative away from public attention while the relevant authorities considered the proposals and provided guidance.Mourning intead of meetingThe relationship took on an even deeper meaning in the days before Pohamba’s death.After Pohamba was discharged from hospital and returned to her home at Auasblick, she called Hainane to enquire about the progress of the social development initiative.Pohamba invited her niece to visit the following weekend to discuss the progress before further proposals were submitted.The two agreed to meet, and Hainane looked forward to sharing how far she had come and to hear her aunt’s feedback.However, Pohamba died that weekend.She never got the opportunity to sit with her aunt, explain how far she had come or hear her aunt’s thoughts on the progress she had made.“The unfinished conversation remains one of the most painful parts of this loss,” the tribute reads.Hainane said she remained hopeful that the institution she had established would receive positive feedback and the guidance needed to advance its national social development ambitions.She said the proposal was now under evaluation by some of the country’s highest offices and pledged to continue following the principles Pohamba had instilled in her.Hainane also reflected on the personal significance of the name Meekulu, explaining that she was named after her paternal grandmother, who was also Pohamba’s grandmother.The name, she said, connects her to a family legacy of love, identity and values passed down through generations.She expressed gratitude for the confidence Pohamba had placed in the family, as well as the love and guidance she had offered.“Her life deserves to be celebrated with gratitude for the person she was, and the lives she touched,” Hainane said.

‘Her life deserves to be celebrated with gratitude’

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-29

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‘Her life deserves to be celebrated with gratitude’

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-29

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