Govt maintains stance on events, sports

Government has reiterated its appeal for citizens to refrain from hosting large gatherings and sporting events during the national mourning period for late founding President Sam Nujoma, while clarifying that the restrictions are not legally binding and that no punitive measures will be taken against those who proceed with their planned events.

Speaking on The Evening Review last night, deputy minister of information Modestus Amutse emphasised that government is calling on the public to exercise discretion and to respect the mourning period.

“We are actually appealing to the nation to conduct itself in a manner that best prescribes to an environment of mourning,” said Amutse. “When we are mourning, whether it is friends or loved ones, we behave in a certain way. This style would not be associated with celebrations.”

He reiterated that compliance is based on voluntary cooperation rather than enforcement. "Nothing may happen to those who choose not to adhere, but we believe that Namibians, who have always respected the founding president, will understand the purpose and significance of this moment," Amutse said.

While large public gatherings such as parties are discouraged, he confirmed that pre-planned events like weddings and school-related sporting activities can continue. He highlighted the cultural significance of weddings, explaining that such events traditionally proceed even in cases of bereavement.

“We must also exercise our own judgement to see whether an activity ought to be deemed by others as a celebration or if it is something that could not have been avoided,” he said.

“For instance, even in most African traditions, if the parents of the bride or groom pass away on the same day as the wedding, the ceremony will still continue.”

No cheering, clapping

The mourning period has raised concerns about the continuation of pre-planned activities, particularly in the entertainment and sports sectors. The perceived ban on sporting events, in particular, has been a hot topic of discussion.

The deputy minister acknowledged these concerns but stressed that events likely to encourage a celebratory atmosphere should be reconsidered.

"Pre-planned activities may continue, but we encourage organisers and participants to assess whether proceeding with them aligns with the environment of mourning we find ourselves in,” he advised.

"The intention is not to hinder people’s livelihoods but rather to observe this brief period of mourning with the dignity it deserves," Amutse explained.

While school sporting events and training for international competitions are allowed, Amutse discouraged public attendance at sports matches.

“There are also sporting activities involving people preparing themselves for international events,” he noted. “We say these activities must be allowed to continue. But what we don’t want to encourage is a situation where we have spectators clapping and cheering, as this might be interpreted as a form of celebration.”

Religious services and funerals remain unaffected, with Amutse confirming that such gatherings are essential and not viewed as celebratory.

“Church services must continue. They are not affected at all,” he said. “Funerals are also allowed because they, too, are a form of mourning, not celebration.”

At own discretion

Ultimately, Amutse called on Namibians to use their own discretion in determining what activities may be seen as inappropriate during this period.

“We are simply saying that as Namibians, we should exercise our own thinking to determine what could be interpreted as partying or commemorative events and refrain from them,” he concluded. “But we are only appealing in respect of this period where we are mourning the departure of our founding president.”

There have also been questions regarding Namibia’s role as a host nation for international sporting and entertainment events. Amutse expressed confidence that international bodies would respect Namibia’s mourning period rather than view it as political interference.

"I believe that major organisations and foreign visitors will apply their conscience and understand our need to honour our founding father."

He added: "We are mourning, not celebrating. Let us do our best to honour his memory as a nation."

He reassured the public that the mourning period would be short but meaningful and that regular activities will resume shortly.