The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) has extended an apology to the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority for inappropriate seating arrangements that resulted in the OTA's leader, Martha Mwadinomho Kristian Nelumbu, being placed on an ordinary plastic chair during the funeral of late ambassador Hadino Hishongwa on Saturday.

The apology was issued in a media statement issued by MIRCO deputy minister, Jenelly Matundu, on Monday.

“Regretfully, the seating arrangements made were not appropriate, which resulted in Meekulu Mwadinomho being unintentionally placed on a normal plastic chair instead of an executive ceremonial chair; as is customary. This unfortunate incident has caused serious dismay among the mourners and the general public who followed proceedings of the burial on various platforms.”

“As a Government and particularly as the ministry responsible for State Protocol, we view this error in a very serious light and we would like to offer our sincerest apology to Meekulu Mwadinomho and the people of the Ohangwena Region,' stated Matundu.

Matundu stated that MIRCO is dealing with the matter internally and will take appropriate action against those responsible, to ensure that such an incident does not recur in the future.

“The incident took place at the late Ambassador Hadino Timothy Hishongwa's state burial at the Eenhana Shrine in Ohangwena Region on 16 SEP 2023. The late Ambassador Hadino Timothy Hishongwa, served the Namibian Nation in various portfolios and as an advisor to the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority and its leader,' reported Matundu.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency