At least 27 African leaders, including 18 sitting heads of state, have confirmed their presence at the state funeral of late former Namabia President Hage Geingob.
The funeral is scheduled for Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Heroes’ Acre outside Windhoek, with a memorial service on Saturday, February 24, at Independence Stadium.
Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, made the announcement Tuesday afternoon at the Government Information Centre. “During this time, the government urges road users to adhere to traffic rules and regulations regarding motorcades to ensure a smooth process for our international dignitaries as they arrive and navigate around the capital city,” said the minister in a statement.
As part of the national mourning period, Theofelus announced that a Musical Tribute will be held today from 16h00 till late in memory of the late leader.
“The public can get free tickets using Webtickets at any Pick ‘n Pay location. Many people will recall Geingob‘s enthusiastic support for local music. He attended music awards and was well-known for his impressive public performance skills. “This concert will allow Namibian musicians to celebrate the life of the ‘People’s President,’ as many have fondly remembered him in recent weeks,” the minister stated.
Theofelus also stated that there are no planned activities on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
However, on Friday, February 23, the Namibian Defence Force will lead a military parade carrying the late president’s remains through the capital city, allowing the people to pay their condolences along the specific routes that will be disclosed tomorrow afternoon. Members of the public are encouraged to queue up along the soon-to-be-announced routes to observe the late president’s casket with honour and respect.
In response to social media reports that Windhoek roads would be closed and that 650 SADC police officers were in the country, the minister stated, “Please be assured that this information is false.”
The Independence Stadium gates will open at 10:00 a.m. for the memorial service on Saturday. The public is invited to attend. Transport arrangements will be made available to the public in due time.
Theofelus further stated that merchants may sell their items at designated locations during the official memorial ceremony events. However, the selling of alcohol in the Independence Stadium area is “prohibited”.
The public is anticipated to begin arriving at Heroes Acre around 06h00 for the official burial.
The burial service will end at noon. Transport details and pickup locations will be informed in due course.
“We are committed to providing transparent and accurate information in relation to the memorial and funeral arrangements and therefore urge the public to consider these briefings as the primary source for information at this very unprecedented time,” she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture has announced Friday, February 23 as a school holiday. Steenkamp requested principals to select a representative group of 15 to 20 students in full school uniform to participate in the official parade on Friday, February 23 at 15h00.
The Khomas Regional Council’s director of basic education, arts, and culture will be notified of the drop-off location and collecting point in due time.