From half mast flags to suspended sport: Understanding national mourning

Following the decision by the government to declare a period of national mourning, former ombudsman John Walters yesterday said it is a general practice but it does not have a legal description within the Constitution.

The government says no sport activities are to be held during the period of mourning for Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma.
Liberation struggle icon Nujoma (95) died in Windhoek on Saturday.

“It is a general practice where the person, in this case, will lay in state for so many days where people have the opportunity to pay their respects to him. I don’t think there is a legal description for that,” he said.

In an effort to explain what a period of national mourning is, Walters said it is a worldwide practice specifically for public figures.

“It’s a worldwide practice, especially for dignitaries. The flag hanging half mast – it’s also a practice,” he said.

The government is yet to announce what is expected from the country during this period but called for all flags to fly at half mast.
Minister of international relations and cooperation Peya Mushelenga last year explained what a mourning period is.

“The national mourning [period] is not different from mourning in our cultures. It’s a time to reflect, to ponder and to respect the spirit of the departed one,” he said.

The duration of the mourning period is yet to be announced, however, the decision to halt “all sporting events and gatherings until further notice” was made on Sunday and announced yesterday.

“As the nation mourns this profound loss, all sport federations, associations and organising bodies must comply by suspending all scheduled sporting activities in honour of [Nujoma’s] enduring legacy,” the ministry says in a statement.

Training and other activities that do not require supporters are allowed, the ministry said.

Netball Namibia heeded the government decree, informing its patrons and other stakeholders of the development on its social media pages.
Similarly, Mobile Telecommunications Company indicated that it will indefinitely defer this weekend’s MTC Maris Cup semi-finals, set to be held at Mariental.

“Further guidance on the resumption of sporting activities will be communicated in due course. The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders during this solemn period,” the ministry says.

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