Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba has a written letter to the ministry of education following an incident where a Swakopmund pupil mistakenly posted his image alongside a message of condolences for the death of founding president Sam Nujoma.
Ronaldinho de Klerk, the Matutura Secondary School pupil responsible for the post, has clarified that it was never his intention to misrepresent the death of Nujoma by using Pohamba’s image.
“I have been directed by his excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, former president of the republic of Namibia, to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 13 February 2025. His excellency the former president accepts the apology unconditionally and expresses his gratitude for the rectification of this error.
“The former president also wishes to commend Ronaldinho de Klerk for his beautiful condolence message, in spite of the wrong accompanying photo. He further commends him for his courage for stepping up to admit his fault, expressing remorse to everyone involved, and accepting responsibility,” says Pohamba’s assistant, Frans !Gaoseb.
De Klerk says it was not in intention to mislead the public or disrespect Pohamba.
The student has also admitted that his mistake was tantamount to the spreading of fake information.
“I am writing to express my sincerest apologies for the dissemination of false information regarding your esteemed legacy. My sincere apologies are also extended to the whole Pohamba family at large. I acknowledge my mistake and I am going to take accountability for that. It was never my intention to misinterpret a great tragedy,” he writes.
De Klerk, who has since met education executive director Sanet Steenkamp at the sidelines of a ministerial retreat on Monday this week, has also apologised to the school for posting the message without the proper authorisation.
“I am writing to sincerely apologise for using the name of Matutura Secondary School without permission. I understand the importance of respecting your institution’s identity and reputation, and I regret any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused,” he says.
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