By Rinelda Mouton
The creative industry is in mourning following the death of former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, who passed away at the age of 78 on 17 October.
Many have described her as a great leader, a role model and a woman who helped transform Namibia.
Kwaito artist Lazarus Shiimi, popularly known as Gazza, said he did not have the privilege of knowing or meeting the former First Lady personally, but what stood out to him was her quiet and dignified presence.
The ‘Chelete’ hitmaker said she appeared to be a woman who valued her privacy, carried herself with humility and stood firmly beside her husband in support of his responsibilities to the country.
“In her own quiet way, she represented a form of womanhood deeply connected to our traditions and cultural values. She demonstrated that the role of a First Lady need not always be defined by visibility, public attention or the expectations of modern times. Sometimes, strength is expressed through silence, dignity, loyalty and the ability to stand beside someone without needing to stand in front of them,” Gazza said.
Gazza believes there is something important to reflect on in the example she presented, noting that cultural values and traditions can continue to find expression even as society embraces democracy and the changing demands of modern life.
Musician, entrepreneur and founder of Mshasho Clothing, Morocy Mbwaluh, better known as King Tee Dee, said Namibia had lost a remarkable mother, a compassionate leader and a woman who dedicated much of her life to serving others.
He said her passing was not only a loss to her family but also to the many Namibians whose lives were positively touched by her work.
The Kwaito artist said he would always remember her for her humility, dignity, compassion and dedication to improving the lives of ordinary Namibians, especially women, children and vulnerable communities.
“She did not limit her contribution to the ceremonial responsibilities of being First Lady. She used her position to champion important social causes, particularly maternal and child healthcare, HIV/AIDS awareness, women’s empowerment and the fight against gender-based violence. As a trained nurse and midwife, she understood the importance of healthcare and worked to improve access to maternal health services, including supporting maternity waiting shelters for expectant mothers,” King Tee Dee said.
The ‘This Is My Time’ hitmaker said one of the greatest lessons he took from her life was that true leadership was not measured by fame, wealth or the position one held, but by the number of lives one positively impacted.
He said her example reminded people that their influence should not only benefit themselves but also be used to uplift others.
Pageant director, international pageant coach and choreographer Bobby Kaanjosa said Lady Pohamba’s life and role in the country represented service, dignity and commitment to the Namibian people.
He said that, as a former First Lady, she occupied a significant place in the nation’s history and that her legacy would remain part of Namibia’s story.
Kaanjosa said her passing was a reminder of the importance of appreciating those who had contributed to the country’s journey and recognising the impact they left behind.
“As Namibians, may we continue to uphold the values of unity, compassion and service to others while preserving the legacy of those who came before us. May we find comfort in the memories she leaves behind and continue to honour her life and contribution to Namibia,” Kaanjosa said.
Charene Labuschagne, Miss Namibia 2026, said the former First Lady’s dedication to healthcare, particularly maternal and child health, and her advocacy for women, children and vulnerable communities formed an important part of her legacy.
Labuschagne said she found Madam Pohamba’s example particularly meaningful, noting that she had reminded Namibians that a title was not the contribution itself but an opportunity to extend the contribution one could make.
“While serving as First Lady, she continued to practise her profession as a nurse. She understood that leadership was not separate from service. Her work in healthcare, her advocacy for people affected by HIV/AIDS, and her efforts to support widows, orphans and vulnerable communities reflected a commitment to translating compassion into action,” Labuschagne said.
Labuschagne said she would always remember Mama Pohamba for her dedication to the people of Namibia, particularly women, children and vulnerable communities. She said what stood out to her was that the former First Lady had used her position not simply as a title but as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Musician and entrepreneur EES, also known as Eric Sell, said he would always remember Lady Pohamba for her dedication to the people of Namibia, particularly women, children and vulnerable communities.
He added that what stood out to him was the fact that she had used her position not simply as First Lady but as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
