Rundu
Queen Angelina Matumbo Ribebe of the Shambyu tribe will be laid to rest on 27 June at Gove village in Mashare constituency, 40 km east of Rundu.
Her burial will take place along the gravel road.
The acting chief who is also the senior headwoman of the Shambyu traditional authority, Theresia Donna Haupindi confirmed to New Era.
“She will be laid to rest at Gove on June 27, where her late relatives of the royal family have been buried. The queen’s remains will be flown to Rundu on Wednesday June 24, and we will receive her at the airport, so all the tribesmen who wish to be there are welcome to join the family and the region to receive her.” said Haupindi who is the acting as chief in the interim.
“The memorial service will be held at the Queens Palace at Kayengona village on Friday afternoon, followed by the burial on Saturday. People will move from the palace to the graveyard at Gove,” naratted the acting chief.
Queen Ribebe died at the age of 55 in the Roman Catholic Hospital in Windhoek on 14 June where she has been hospitalised since early May.
Ribebe was diagnosed with chronic kidney illness and for many years she has been in and out of hospital.
Ribebe has been chief of the Vashambyu since May 19, 1989 when she took over after the death of her brother Gothard Haininga in a car accident.
Ribebe leaves behind her husband, Alois Gende, five children and nine grandchildren.
Relatives and family are gathered at the palace at Kayengona village just east of Rundu to mourn the queen. “Several people have donated food and cattle to be used in the palace as people are gathered to mourn. We thankful for that,” said senior headwoman Theresia Donna Haupindi, now the acting chief.