Namibia's government has declared a temporary suspension on state funerals in response to growing public criticism regarding the exorbitant expenses associated with these events. The moratorium, effective until April 2026, will allow a designated review committee to evaluate the guidelines and procedures connected to state funerals.
Earlier this week, after a Cabinet meeting, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus announced that only President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah retains the authority to exempt any funerals from this ban.
The move follows heightened scrutiny over the financial implications of recent state funerals, with reports indicating that the government had previously spent 30 million Namibian dollars (approximately $1.7 million) solely on transportation for the funeral of founding President Sam Nujoma in February. During the fiscal year 2024/2025, the government allocated a staggering 38.4 million Namibian dollars ($2.2 million) for official burials, a significant increase from the 2.1 million Namibian dollars spent on 23 funerals in the previous year, as highlighted by the Windhoek Observer.
The public outcry for a moratorium on state funerals began surfacing as early as 2021, particularly during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics have pointed to the expenses as an unjustified use of public funds, especially during challenging economic times.
Nujoma, who passed away at 95, played a crucial role in Namibia's struggle for independence from South Africa and was a pivotal figure in the country's political landscape following liberation.
The BBC has sought comments from the presidency regarding the factors influencing the suspension, as discussions regarding the expenditures on state funerals continue to unfold in Namibian society.
Earlier this week, after a Cabinet meeting, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus announced that only President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah retains the authority to exempt any funerals from this ban.
The move follows heightened scrutiny over the financial implications of recent state funerals, with reports indicating that the government had previously spent 30 million Namibian dollars (approximately $1.7 million) solely on transportation for the funeral of founding President Sam Nujoma in February. During the fiscal year 2024/2025, the government allocated a staggering 38.4 million Namibian dollars ($2.2 million) for official burials, a significant increase from the 2.1 million Namibian dollars spent on 23 funerals in the previous year, as highlighted by the Windhoek Observer.
The public outcry for a moratorium on state funerals began surfacing as early as 2021, particularly during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics have pointed to the expenses as an unjustified use of public funds, especially during challenging economic times.
Nujoma, who passed away at 95, played a crucial role in Namibia's struggle for independence from South Africa and was a pivotal figure in the country's political landscape following liberation.
The BBC has sought comments from the presidency regarding the factors influencing the suspension, as discussions regarding the expenditures on state funerals continue to unfold in Namibian society.
