In what capacity did Pohamba confer a state honour on Mbumba?

I have a curious academic question. Media reports revealed that former president Hifikepunye Pohamba conferred the highest state honours on President Nangolo Mbumba last Saturday. My query is informed by an understanding of what we teach in leadership and strategic studies. Does a former and retired head of state in Namibia have the power to confer state honours? That would mean that a former or retired president in Namibia could pardon prisoners or engage in state affairs with other countries. Our studies suggest that in state behaviour, this is odd, unusual and indeed inconsistent with state decorum. It would not happen in western democracies. Is our system fundamentally different? Where, when and why? Please help.

Professor Joseph Diescho

Bonn, Germany