Maria David
THE 11th Cabinet has approved a moratorium on the granting of official funerals, effective from 16 June 2025 to 31 March 2026.
Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Emma Theofelus announced this during a Cabinet decision on Thursday.
According to Theofelus, this temporary halt will allow for a comprehensive review of the existing criteria and processes associated with bestowing official funerals.
She emphasised that this moratorium does not infringe upon the constitutional powers of the President to confer national honours on citizens.
“This power is enshrined in Article 32(3)(h) of the Namibian Constitution and the National Honours Act, 2012 (Act No. 11 of 2012),” she said.
She added that Cabinet has also approved the establishment of a Review Committee, which will comprise no more than seven members.
Moreover, Theofelus said that the Prime Minister, in collaboration with the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, the Presidency, and the Attorney General, will be responsible for proposing the membership of this committee and its Terms of Reference (ToR) for Cabinet’s consideration and endorsement.
