Former cabinet minister Ben Amathila has called on Namibians to rally behind former president Hifikepunye Pohamba and his family following the death of his wife, Penehupifo, Saturday night.
Addressing mourners at the Pohamba residence on Sunday morning, Amathila said the family needed time to grieve, urging those gathered to give the former president space to rest as he comes to terms with the loss of his wife.
“Comrade President Pohamba has been awake, I don’t know how many days, and now he’s not sleeping well,” Amathila said, adding that the former president needed a moment alone before he could engage with mourners.
He said Pohamba was not yet in a position to address those who had gathered but wanted to express his appreciation to everyone who had come to offer comfort and solidarity.
Amathila acknowledged that some mourners had set aside church attendance and other personal commitments to be with the family during its time of grief.
He said their presence was important in helping Pohamba and his children understand that they were not alone in their loss.
Amathila said information available to the family and mourners remained limited, but confirmed that Penehupifo had been in and out of hospital for some time.
He said those close to her had hoped and prayed for her recovery, but their wishes had not been fulfilled.
“Our wishes did not conspire with the wisdom of our Creator,” Amathila said.
He described her passing as a profound loss for the family, while expressing hope that she was now free from pain and suffering.
Amathila also acknowledged the presence of senior government leaders and others who had visited the residence to convey their condolences, encouraging mourners who were able to remain at the residence to sit together and talk, saying their shared presence would help ease the weight of the loss.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare also paid a condolence visit to Pohamba following the passing of the former First Lady.
-Nampa
The post Amathila urges support for Pohamba family following Penehupifo’s death appeared first on New Era.