Accra:Kavango West The leadership of the Kavango West Region paid tribute to the late former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the Pohamba family home in Tuguva village. This visit followed the loss of former president Hifikepunye Pohamba's wife, who passed away on Saturday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kavango West Regional Council Chairperson Fillipus Tenga expressed the region's profound grief over the loss, stating, "Today Kavango West is hurting. We are mourning not only as a region, but as a community that has lost one of its own." Tenga extended condolences on behalf of the council, emphasizing the delegation's presence to support the Pohamba family during this difficult time.

Tenga praised Penehupifo Pohamba for her service as First Lady from 2005 to 2015, highlighting her advocacy for women's empowerment and her efforts to protect women and children from violence. He acknowledged her dedication to maternal and child health care and her support for vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans. Her influence was noted in regional developments during her husband's presidency, such as road projects and the establishment of Nkurenkuru Intermediate Hospital.

Long-serving employee at the Pohamba homestead, Ndungula Willem, recalled Penehupifo Pohamba as a "kind, motherly figure" whose guidance was impactful over a decade of working together. Mpungu constituency councillor Titus Shiudifonya remembered her collaboration on local development projects alongside the late Rosalia Nghidinwa, a former minister of gender equality.

Kavango West chief regional officer Matheus Singambwe encouraged the family to remain united and maintain the homestead, assuring them of the region's continued support. "Even if you do not see people seated with you here, just know we are with you," he said.