Secretary to Cabinet Emilia Mkusa says Namibia has no specific protocols governing the burial of former first spouses and is still considering the appropriate arrangements.
This follows the death of former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba, who died at a Windhoek hospital on Saturday, aged 78.
This is the first time independent Namibia has lost a former first lady, and there are no set rules on how she should be buried.
It is not yet clear whether she will be accorded a state funeral or national honours, as president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is yet to decide.
Mkusa told The Namibian yesterday that although there are no specific criteria for first ladies or first spouses, the government is currently reviewing the relevant legislation.
“There are no established criteria specifically dealing with first ladies or first spouses, except for the criteria provided for under the provisions of the Constitution and the Conferment of National Honours Act, which are of a general nature.
“However, the government is currently implementing a ‘holistic review of the act’, and I am unable to comment on that at this stage,” she said.
Penehupifo was known for her advocacy for women’s empowerment, maternal and child healthcare, and the fight against HIV-AIDS and gender-based violence.
She served as Namibia’s second first lady from 2005 to 2015 during her husband, Hifikepunye Pohamba’s, presidency.
In 2014, she was awarded the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, First Class.
Mkusa said Nandi-Ndaitwah had not yet expressed her position on whether Penehupifo should be accorded national honours.
ONGOING CONSULTATIONS
Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo told The Namibian yesterday that consultations are still ongoing, noting that the country is dealing with a circumstance of this nature for the first time.
“Once the necessary consultations have been concluded and decisions taken, the Presidency will communicate the relevant arrangements through official channels,” he said.
Mbambo said the Presidency is understanding of public and media interest in what the next steps may be, however, cautioned the public that it should understand that beyond the questions of protocol and procedure, a family is mourning the loss of a loved one.
“The nation is coming to terms with her passing. We, therefore, appeal for sensitivity, patience and understanding during this period,” he said.
MORE THAN A FIRST LADY
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah yesterday said Namibia should learn from other Southern African Develop Community countries on how to handle matters relating to the deaths of first ladies.
He said although Namibia has not had a first lady dying before, Penehupifo is also a freedom fighter and served as a midwife at Swapo camps abroad.
“I think those should be considered. She is more than a first lady,” he said.
He said she played a role in the health sector, adding that exile status should not be the only determinant for hero status.
“I don’t know whether we have protocols yet, but Namibia must look at other countries.
But we are most likely to see her accorded a state funeral arrangement,” he said.
Kamwanyah said Namibia must establish a formal policy on the status, funeral arrangements and burial of former first ladies to guide future administrations.
He said the absence of a clear guideline could lead to inconsistent treatment of former first ladies.
“Certainty is very important.
If you have a policy instrument, you would know what to do next time it happens,” he said.
Helao Shityuwete, a former Robben Island political prisoner, died in August at the age of 92.
He was given a state funeral but was not buried at Heroes’ Acre, and his family had asked the government which requirement he did not meet.
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