WINDHOEK – The late Kavango regional governor, Maurus Nekaro, will be accorded an official funeral, Presidential Affairs Minister Albert Kawana announced yesterday afternoon. “The body will be transported by the Namibia Defence Force to Rundu from Eenhana on Thursday  afternoon,” Kawana said in a statement.

Major General (Rtd) Charles Namoloh the Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development, and the Governor of Ohangwena Region, Usko Nghaamwa, will accompany the body. Nekaro’s memorial service takes place tomorrow at the Rundu Sports Stadium starting at 14:00, Kawana said.

Nekaro died in one of the rooms of Monte Carlos Flats Bed & Breakfast, where he was discovered by his driver, who summoned help from Eenhana District Hospital’s casualty ward. A delegation including the late governor’s wife, uncle, brother and personal assistant spent the day in Eenhana yesterday to finalise arrangements to return the body to Rundu.

“The body went to Oshakati where the post-mortem was conducted and will overnight in Okongo tonight [Tuesday],” the late governor’s special advisor, Winfried Shikusho, told New Era.

Shikusho said the funeral arrangements for the late governor would be communicated once the delegation is back in Rundu. Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Sirkka Ausiku, said the ministry is still waiting for the family of the late governor to communicate further arrangements to her office.

“Once we receive the information from the family then my minister can make a statement. Right now the minister is in the field doing familiarisation visits,” she said.

Governors pay tribute

Several governors whom New Era spoke to on Tuesday were still in disbelief and shock over the death of their colleague. Oshana Governor, Clemens Kashuupulwa, told New Era the nation has lost a hardworking and dedicated person.

“He was very dedicated to the tasks assigned to him. He was a very intelligent and social person. He looked like a quiet person, but he was very constructive during deliberations, therefore it is really unfortunate to have lost him,” said Kashuupulwa.

Kashuupulwa said Nekaro had the potential to take the Kavango Region to greater heights. “On behalf of my region, I would like to wish the people of Kavango and the entire country my sincere condolences,” he said.

Omusati Governor Sophia Shanginwa was still unaware of the death of her colleague when New Era reached her yesterday. “I am terribly sorry for the loss of our colleague. I did not know about it because I am not in the country,” she said.

Ohangwena Governor, Usko Nghaamwa, conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and said Nekaro’s death shocked the nation. “My condolences to his family, my colleague’s death was so sudden and it really makes me sad. It pains me to know that he died in my region where he worked for a long time,” said Nghaamwa, adding: “He was a very hardworking person, therefore my condolences go out to all 13 regions, the president and all our leaders.”

Otjozondjupa Governor, Samuel Nuuyoma, said Kavango has lost a dedicated and hardworking governor who contributed a lot during his time in office.

“He was always a good person to work with, because he always expressed his knowledge and experience during our meetings,” said Nuuyoma.