Hertta Maria Amutenja
As Namibia mourns the passing of founding president Sam Nujoma, regional governors are preparing their own memorial services to honour his legacy.
The official government schedule for memorial services, announced by the Office of the Prime Minister, has excluded the Oshikoto, Kunene, Ohangwena, Hardap, Omaheke and Kavango West regions.
Oshikoto Regional Governor Penda Ya Ndakolo said while the region is not included in the national schedule, it will hold a memorial service at the regional level.
He acknowledged the government’s national arrangements but expressed the region’s decision to organise its own commemorations.
“First of all, Namibia is the one. As a region, we have just only to listen and take this as an arrangement done at the national level. We understand it, but we will do it at the regional level,” Ya Ndakolo said.
He said regional stakeholders will meet on Monday to plan the memorial service.
Kunene Region is also organising memorial services in four urban constituencies.
Governor Marius Sheya shared the region’s plans to host services in Opuwo on 23 February, Kamanjab on 24 February, Khorixas on 25 February, and Outjo on 26 February.
“We shall celebrate and reflect on the life of our hero and Founding Father. Our hero and founding father’s legacy will for years and generations be remembered and celebrated by Namibians, Africans, and the world at large,” Sheya said.
The remains of Dr. Nujoma will be transported to Omusati, Oshana, Kavango East, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, Erongo, and Karas regions for memorial services from 20 to 26 February.
The government has allocated N$500 000 to each region to cover the costs of these services, with regional offices expected to adhere to the Public Procurement Act in arranging the necessary services and submitting invoices.
