ENGELA – Expectant mothers staying at the Engela Waiting Ward, commonly known as Ewalanda in Oshiwambo, have expressed their appreciation for the late former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, who played a key role in the construction of the facility, saying her contribution has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many women.
Pohamba, who died last week at the age of 78, is celebrated for her compassion towards women and her efforts to improve the well-being of mothers and children. The Engela Waiting Ward was constructed through her efforts in 2009 to provide a safe and suitable place for expectant mothers, particularly those who live far from Engela District Hospital.
The facility currently accommodates about 65 expectant mothers, allowing them to stay close to the hospital as they approach labour and reducing the challenges associated with travelling long distances when labour begins.
Many expectant mothers have benefited from similar waiting wards constructed at various hospitals, including Eenhana, Outapi and Onandjokwe.
When New Era visited the ward on Tuesday, several mothers spoke warmly about the late former First Lady and the difference the facility has made in their lives.
One of the expectant mothers, Lusia Hango, said she is grateful for the facility, noting that many women would otherwise have struggled to find a safe place to stay while waiting to give birth. “If it was not for her, we would not have had a proper ward like this to stay in while waiting for labour,” Hango said.
Hango added that women previously had to sleep under trees or in shacks while waiting to give birth, but Pohamba helped address these challenges.
She said the availability of electricity and water has made the ward a comfortable and safe environment for the mothers.
Another expectant mother, Nangula Nghina, said she appreciates the work done by Pohamba to support women. “She cared much about women,” Nghina said, adding that the facility demonstrates the late former First Lady’s commitment to improving the lives of mothers.
“She is a true mother. She left a good example that leaders should follow. Her legacy will be remembered,” she added. The mothers said the waiting ward gives them peace of mind because they can remain near the hospital instead of travelling long distances when they experience labour pains.
For women from remote areas, the facility provides an important link between their communities and healthcare services, particularly during the final stages of pregnancy.
Hango described Pohamba as a caring woman whose contribution extended beyond her role as the country’s first lady.
She said Pohamba’s work touched the lives of ordinary women and would continue to be remembered by generations of mothers who benefit from facilities such as Ewalanda.
Pohamba, a trained nurse, was also widely associated with efforts to promote the well-being of women, children and vulnerable members of society.
For the mothers at Ewalanda, however, her legacy is not only remembered through words. It is experienced daily through the safe space they have while waiting to welcome their children into the world.
As they prepare for childbirth, the expectant mothers said they remain grateful to a woman they believe understood the challenges faced by women and took practical steps to make their lives better.
Many described Pohamba as a caring mother who made a meaningful contribution to the lives of Namibians, as well as to her community. Meanwhile, the family confirmed on Wednesday that Pohamba will be buried next Saturday in her village at the family cemetery.
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