Public must ignore social media talk on Geingob’s funeral arrangements: Mushelenga

WINDHOEK: Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), Peya Mushelenga, has urged the public to disregard information circulating on social media regarding the mourning and funeral arrangements of the late President Hage Geingob. Addressing the media here on Tuesday, Mushelenga said the ministry will be the focal information dissemination centre regarding all arrangements and activities for Geingob's mourning period, leading to the funeral. 'There are people who have a habit of saying apparently this and that about the funeral…if you have heard your things keep them to yourself. If you have not heard it from me and I have not heard it from the national preparatory committee…' he said. A national preparatory committee chaired by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was constituted by President Nangolo Mbumba to preside over the protocol on the funeral planning and sequence of events in consultation with the family. Mushelenga further called upon the public to observe the period of mour ning in harmony, noting that the government has requested organisations to keep their planned official ceremonies and gatherings at a minimum and in a dignified manner. He further noted that public members and singing choirs willing to deliver a message should make their request through the executive director of MICT for further communication to the family for a final decision and dates. Equally, regional governors planning to host any event in honour of Geingob must receive the directive from the national planning committee. 'It is very important that during this time we remain calm as a nation. National mourning of the country is not different as we have it in most cultures, it means it is time to reflect, honour and respect the spirit of a departed one,' he noted. Geingob, 82, died on Sunday in Windhoek. Source: The Namibia Press Agency