Govt, family collaborated on Nujoma portrait choice

Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus says the portrait of late founding president Sam Nujoma was selected in collaboration with the family.

Theofelus’ clarification follows concerns on the perceived lack of clarity regarding the selection process for Nujoma’s portrait.

“The picture was taken in 2023 and was selected [from] among a few by the family with the concurrence of the government,” she explains.

During the unveiling of the portrait last week, the information ministry’s executive director, Audrin Mathe, said the government will make the portrait available at public offices, including regional councils, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the Judiciary, parliament and the founding president’s residence.

While Mathe said the portrait is available for free, people will have to cover their own printing costs. “Members of the public are encouraged to attach a black ribbon to the left side of the portrait, and display it with their condolence books,” he said.

Meanwhile memorial services for Nujoma have been scheduled from 20 to 26 February.

The schedule is as follows:

Etunda, Omusati region – 20 February
Eenhana, Ohangwena region – 21 February
Rundu, Kavango West region – 22 February
Katima Mulilo, Zambezi region – 23 February
Grootfontein, Otjozondjupa region – 24 February
Walvis Bay, Erongo region – 25 February
Keetmanshoop, //Kharas region – 26 February
Nujoma’s body returns to Windhoek on 27 February.

On 28 February, the official memorial service will take place at Independence Stadium in the capital, while the official state burial will take place at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek on 1 March.

This was announced by Theofelus, who provided this update at the Government Information Centre in Windhoek yesterday.

She confirmed that the body of the late president will be present at all memorial services and will lie in state.

Theofelus said the government will not provide transportation for those attending the memorial services and urged citizens who can assist with transport to help those in need.

Education directorates in the regions where services will be held will communicate with schools regarding pupil participation, she said.

Theofelus called on the public to observe the mourning period with dignity and emphasised that only information from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology should be considered official.

“To the general public, this has caused some unfortunate feelings around this very important exercise, which is being undertaken for the very first time in the history of the Republic of Namibia,” she said. – Additional reporting: Nampa

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