Thousands mourn Ongandjera king

PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba says the death of Ongandjera king Jafet Munkundi has not only left a void in his immediate family, but the whole community of Ongandjera, the Omusati Region and the Council of Traditional Leaders of which he was an active member.

Munkundi died in the Windhoek Central Hospital on July 26 at the age of 83.Among those who attended his funeral on Saturday were Pohamba, former President Sam Nujoma, Cabinet members, members of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Namibia, the diplomatic corps and regional and local councillors.Pohamba said traditional leaders serve as important pillars in Namibia and provide leadership to communities while serving as custodians of the country’s traditional values and and cultural norms.Bishop Shekutamba Nambala of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia said Munkundi was a dedicated Christian and a humble man of peace who respected others.King Munkundi was buried in the Ongandjera royal family cemetery at Okahao.Six horses with traditional riders led the procession to the cemetery where the king was buried in a coffin covered with a lion skin – a symbol of the strength of the Ongandjera traditional community.The funeral service was directed by Minister of Justice Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana and Dr Kalumbi Shangula.