Windhoek: The maternal and paternal families of late Ovambanderu Traditional Authority (OTA) councillor Eliphas Ephraim Tjingaete are at odds over his final resting place. Tjingaete, aged 71, who served as the first Governor of the Omaheke Region, passed away in Windhoek on 27 August 2026.

According to Namibia Press Agency, since his death, mourners have gathered at the residence of OTA Chief Tjozohongo II Nguvauva in Katutura, while separate memorial services are planned for Otjombinde and Otjijere in the Epukiro Constituency. Family sources noted that Tjingaete had expressed a wish to be buried at his native Otjijere village but had also made provision for burial at one of the OTA's sacred sites should the traditional authority make such a request.

The paternal family, however, prefers Tjingaete to be taken to Otjombinde, citing his close association with his father, Katemone Eliphas Tjingaete, a prominent figure in the politics of the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA) and the Ovambanderu community. Tjingaete was a staunch Swapo Party member at the time of his death and was active in mobilizing support for the party in Katutura and other parts of the country.

Gotlop Kungairi Katjirua, speaking on behalf of the paternal family, stated that Tjingaete's remains will leave Windhoek early on Friday for Farm Otjamukuru, where a memorial service will be held. The procession is expected to depart the farm at 12h00 on Saturday for Tallismanus in Otjombinde. "The Tallismanus memorial is expected to end late, and that might prompt us to bury him on Sunday. Of course, the burial will take place at the Heroes' Acre in Otjombinde," said Katjirua, Tjingaete's cousin.

Meanwhile, Kapanda Square Marenga, representing the maternal family, said they will leave Windhoek on Friday for Otjijere village in Epukiro to pay their last respects to Tjingaete. "We are following his wishes. We are committed to honoring that last part of his will. We are separated, and we will do our part to honor him according to his wishes," said Marenga, who is also an OTA councillor. Mourners had started gathering at Otjijere by Thursday, while the official memorial service is scheduled for Saturday.

Marenga further explained that speeches will continue until late on Saturday, with Sunday reserved for paying their last respects, during which women will be taken out of the house. Apart from his political and traditional leadership roles, Tjingaete was also a mathematics teacher. He is survived by 13 children.