In the wake of complaints about state and official funerals being overspent, the Namibian government has imposed a broad moratorium on all such funerals between 16 June 2025 and 31 March 2026. This move, which will see the construction of houses for late popular figures in the country on a scale never witnessed before, represents a significant shift in how Namibia honors its prominent personalities. According to Minister Emma Theofelus, following a Cabinet sitting chaired by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the decision aims to strike a balance between tradition and financial cost-effectiveness.
/*Moratorium Information: Cost of and Scope*/
A complete ban was directed to state funerals by the Cabinet, including that of the former presidents, founding icons, and national heroes, until a review of policies is conducted. Theofelus at the Government Information Centre said, the Cabinet approved a moratorium on the issue of granting official funerals until there is a thorough review of the criteria and the processes, and that does not deprive the presidential powers in declaring special funerals.
/*Why now? Cost Increases and Populist Reaction*/
The Namibians have been complaining about the rising prices of conducting funerals. In the current fiscal period (2024/25), the government has been spending around N$38.4 million on a mere 16 state funerals, including the death of President Hage Geingob and the founding president of Sam Nujoma; an average of N$889,473 per funeral. There was also overspending during the COVID-19 era, as unplanned funeral expenses were estimated at N$5m in 2021.
/*Historical Background: Funeral In The Spotlight*/
State funerals have been used symbolically long time in the process of nation-building in Namibia. The investment is seen in the state burial of President Hage Geingob on 25 February 2024 at Heroes Acre and the funeral of Sam Nujoma on 1 March 2025, which involved burial ceremonies in the seven regions. The ceremonies in question, though culturally driven, have caused controversy on whether they are worth the expenditure, considering there are other social needs.
/*What’s Next: Review Committee and Future Criteria*/
The eligibility and procedures of the state funerals will be redefined by a seven‑member review panel comprising representatives of the Prime Minister's Office, Defence, Presidency, and Attorney‑General. Terms suggestable by the committee will be acceptable to the Cabinet. The selection will be coordinated by the Prime Minister, Elijah Ngurare, and will have clarity, equity, and sustainability of future honours.
/*People's Response: Emotions in Namibia*/
Political pundits observe that the policy is economically smart yet politically touchy. Helmut Angula, the former minister, cautioned that it might lead to problems of fairness, particularly in the face of the death of a generation of leaders. In support of the achievements, the reform was advocated by analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah as an issue that is positive, and that the policy should be revised so as to ensure that we use it to the best effect. In the meantime, most Namibians declare themselves relieved as they are ready to spend resources on basic needs such as education and healthcare rather than on state funerals.