Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The former minister of education, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, will be laid to rest in her home in Mariental on 27 July.
Her husband, Ngeno Himarwa, confirmed this on Wednesday.
“This is also my birthday. We are in Windhoek until Saturday. We will have a memorial service at home, and we will have a main one on Friday at Tanidare Parish in Soweto. We will move to Mariental, where we will have an opening service on Sunday,” he said.
According to Ngeno, discussions with the state are ongoing as the presidency has yet to announce the type of funeral to be accorded to Katrina.
Alfredo Hengari, Press Secretary of the Presidency, said that President Nangolo Mbumba has yet to decide.
“The president has not yet pronounced himself on whether she will get a hero’s funeral. We have not yet made an announcement,” said Hengari.
People are remembering Hanse-Himarwa for her contributions to Namibia’s education system, who passed away early Sunday morning at the age of 57.
Hanse-Himarwa served as minister of education from 2015 to 2019, during which she oversaw reforms in the education sector. During her tenure, she made significant efforts to improve school infrastructure, enhance teacher training, and implement inclusive education policies.
Since her death, tributes have been pouring in from various sectors.
“The Landless People’s Movement extends a heartfelt condolence to the family of the late Hanse-Himarwa. As news of her passing reaches the corners of our country and beyond our borders, we mourn the life of a former leader in government in this great land of Namibia. We wish strength to the SWAPO political party as they deal with the loss of their former minister of education, former governor, and friend. During these trying times, we stand in solidarity as a nation during these dark times,” said LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simata.
The Independent Patriots for Change also expressed their sorrow.
“The Independent Patriots for Change learned with sadness of the passing of Hanse-Himarwa on 14 July 2024, in Windhoek. Hanse-Himarwa left a remarkable legacy paved by her immense contribution to the education sector and we extend our deepest condolences to her husband, children, family, and her colleagues at the SWAPO Party,” read their statement.
