QUESTIONABLE SPENDING ON FAREWELL FOR NAMIBIA'S FOUNDING FATHER

By: Gideon Kapuka

This week, the Namibian government allocated over 7 million Namibian dollars to transport the remains of former President Sam Nujoma across the country, to at least seven of Namibia’s fourteen regions. The question that immediately arises is: Is this an expenditure of genuine necessity? Namibia is currently battling a devastating drought, one that is projected to persist until the next harvest season. Against this backdrop of urgent national hardship, the government’s decision to deploy substantial state resources towards a national funeral, while vital issues such as drought relief and infrastructure demands remain unaddressed, is not only alarming but also difficult to defend.

While there is no denying that Sam Nujoma, as the country’s founding president, made indelible contributions to Namibia’s historical and political landscape, the current approach to honoring his memory through such extravagant expenditure is deeply contentious. Acknowledging the legacy of a national hero should not come at the expense of overlooking more pressing concerns, such as humanitarian aid, drought mitigation, and vital public services.

To further compound the concerns surrounding this expenditure, it’s important to note that the 7 million dollars allocated is not the total cost of the state funeral—it merely accounts for the transportation of the body across the country. One can only speculate about the total cost of the funeral arrangements, which, one might argue, could have been executed in a far more fiscally responsible manner, without compromising the dignity of the ceremony.

Reflecting on previous state funerals in Namibia, the financial implications have consistently ignited public debate. Take, for example, the state funeral of the late President , Dr. Hage Geingob, whose funeral cost an estimated 10 million Namibian dollars. These extravagant costs associated with honoring deceased leaders have sparked frequent criticism, particularly given the current socio-economic challenges Namibia faces.

In times of economic strain, when every cent of public funds must be meticulously accounted for, such lavish spending on ceremonial functions raises significant concerns about the government’s fiscal stewardship and its prioritization of national resources. It begs the question: could more modest funeral arrangements—while still commemorating the contributions of these leaders—serve the national interest better by redirecting funds to areas where they are critically needed?

While the respect and reverence due to the deceased is indisputable, it is essential to recognize that such gestures should not come at the expense of the well-being of the living. In essence, the government must strike a balance between honoring its past and safeguarding its future.