The Namibian government expects to spend approximately N$30 million on expenses related to moving founding president Sam Nujoma across the country. According to estimates, each military plane journey costs about N$1 million. Nujoma passed away on February 8 in Windhoek, leading to nationwide memorial activities. The government mobilized roughly 5,000 military personnel for funeral processions that conclude with his burial tomorrow at Heroes' Acre.
Officials have not publicly shared complete funeral costs. Recent media calculations suggest the government allocated N$500,000 to each region, totaling N$7 million for regional ceremonies. Sources familiar with government operations indicate the higher N$30 million figure includes transportation logistics, ceremonial events, and additional expenses. These funds cover military vehicles, tanks, motorcycles, and official cars escorting the casket throughout the country. Significant portions pay for aviation fuel needed by helicopters and jets during the multi-day memorial.
The Namibian Defence Force uses its Shaanxi Y-9E aircraft to transport the former president's remains. Each takeoff reportedly requires N$1 million worth of fuel, potentially reaching N$8 million for all flights. Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs leadership contested the N$30 million total estimate but did not deny the N$1 million per flight cost. Executive Director Wilhelmine Shivute explained using the Chinese-made aircraft purchased last year represented the most economical choice available to authorities. Namibia became the first foreign nation to operate this particular aircraft model.
Operating the Shaanxi Y-9E involves additional expenses beyond fuel. The aircraft requires specialized maintenance, crew operations, trained pilots, ground support teams, and security personnel to accompany the remains. Defense officials acknowledged that funerals involve substantial costs but declined to specify current expenditures. All military-related funeral operations come from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs budget rather than special allocations.
Presidential transportation became a notable topic following former president Hage Geingob's death earlier this year. At that time, Angola reportedly offered military cargo transport assistance. Namibian authorities declined this offer, possibly to avoid highlighting previous limitations in military cargo capacity. The defense force acquired two Shaanxi Y-9E aircraft at N$1 billion each in December, enabling transportation to seven different regions during memorial activities. Although the purchase agreement was completed in early 2023, delivery occurred later that year, according to media reports.
The Shaanxi Y-9E travels at maximum speeds, reaching 660 kilometers hourly, and cruises at altitudes between 7-8 kilometers. Its operational range extends to 5,200 kilometers with a maximum takeoff weight of 65 tonnes. The plane can transport up to 20 tonnes of personnel and cargo during missions. The aircraft operation includes two Chinese crew members alongside Namibian personnel, adding to operational expenses. Defense spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu defended these foreign staff members despite emphasizing local pilots fly the aircraft.
Shilumbu compared the situation to buying an expensive vehicle that requires training. He described the aircraft as jointly operated by Namibian and Chinese personnel. Wing commanders Alfeus Shalimba and David Ndeshaanya serve as the primary Namibian pilots. These officers completed six months of theoretical and practical training in China before operating the aircraft. Aviation standards require continued observation and assistance even after training completion. The Chinese personnel observe whether pilots follow correct procedures, maintain operational standards, and apply appropriate safety measures during flights.
The defense ministry received N$6.7 billion for the 2024/25 financial year. During the previous budget cycle, the ministry received N$6.3 billion, with 67% allocated to personnel expenses. Approximately 21% covered goods and services, and 12% funded capital assets and infrastructure development. These regular budget allocations support extraordinary operations such as state funerals through existing financial frameworks rather than emergency funding.
Officials have not publicly shared complete funeral costs. Recent media calculations suggest the government allocated N$500,000 to each region, totaling N$7 million for regional ceremonies. Sources familiar with government operations indicate the higher N$30 million figure includes transportation logistics, ceremonial events, and additional expenses. These funds cover military vehicles, tanks, motorcycles, and official cars escorting the casket throughout the country. Significant portions pay for aviation fuel needed by helicopters and jets during the multi-day memorial.
The Namibian Defence Force uses its Shaanxi Y-9E aircraft to transport the former president's remains. Each takeoff reportedly requires N$1 million worth of fuel, potentially reaching N$8 million for all flights. Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs leadership contested the N$30 million total estimate but did not deny the N$1 million per flight cost. Executive Director Wilhelmine Shivute explained using the Chinese-made aircraft purchased last year represented the most economical choice available to authorities. Namibia became the first foreign nation to operate this particular aircraft model.
Operating the Shaanxi Y-9E involves additional expenses beyond fuel. The aircraft requires specialized maintenance, crew operations, trained pilots, ground support teams, and security personnel to accompany the remains. Defense officials acknowledged that funerals involve substantial costs but declined to specify current expenditures. All military-related funeral operations come from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs budget rather than special allocations.
Presidential transportation became a notable topic following former president Hage Geingob's death earlier this year. At that time, Angola reportedly offered military cargo transport assistance. Namibian authorities declined this offer, possibly to avoid highlighting previous limitations in military cargo capacity. The defense force acquired two Shaanxi Y-9E aircraft at N$1 billion each in December, enabling transportation to seven different regions during memorial activities. Although the purchase agreement was completed in early 2023, delivery occurred later that year, according to media reports.
The Shaanxi Y-9E travels at maximum speeds, reaching 660 kilometers hourly, and cruises at altitudes between 7-8 kilometers. Its operational range extends to 5,200 kilometers with a maximum takeoff weight of 65 tonnes. The plane can transport up to 20 tonnes of personnel and cargo during missions. The aircraft operation includes two Chinese crew members alongside Namibian personnel, adding to operational expenses. Defense spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu defended these foreign staff members despite emphasizing local pilots fly the aircraft.
Shilumbu compared the situation to buying an expensive vehicle that requires training. He described the aircraft as jointly operated by Namibian and Chinese personnel. Wing commanders Alfeus Shalimba and David Ndeshaanya serve as the primary Namibian pilots. These officers completed six months of theoretical and practical training in China before operating the aircraft. Aviation standards require continued observation and assistance even after training completion. The Chinese personnel observe whether pilots follow correct procedures, maintain operational standards, and apply appropriate safety measures during flights.
The defense ministry received N$6.7 billion for the 2024/25 financial year. During the previous budget cycle, the ministry received N$6.3 billion, with 67% allocated to personnel expenses. Approximately 21% covered goods and services, and 12% funded capital assets and infrastructure development. These regular budget allocations support extraordinary operations such as state funerals through existing financial frameworks rather than emergency funding.
