The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) has partnered with Momentum Metropolitan Namibia to introduce the ELCIN Funeral Plan.
This is an initiative designed to ensure that ELCIN members and their families are financially prepared in times of loss.
This funeral cover, which is exclusively available to ELCIN members, offers financial protection of up to N$100 000.
The launch event of the funeral cover took place on 31 March 2025 at Ondangwa, and was attended by the top leadership of the ELCIN church, including the Presiding Bishop of ELCIN Dr Gideon Niitenge and the Bishop of the ELCIN Eastern Diocese Reverend Hilya Nghaangulwa, as well as all the deans of ELCIN’s 21 deaneries across the country.
Momentum Metropolitan Namibia Group CEO Mr Sakaria Nghikembua also attended the launch.
Dr Niitenge in his official remarks said that ever since the ELCIN church became an autonomous institution it has been operating as a “self-propagating rather than a self-supporting” entity.
As a result the church has struggled to find appropriate ways to successfully fund its operations and care for its flock, and with this funeral plan arrangement, Dr Niitenge said, the church is thus “very much delighted.”
“And today we can say this is the day that the Lord has made, we may rejoice and be glad in it,” Dr Niitenge stated.
In providing insights into the partnership and product rollout, Mr Nghikembua said that Metropolitan has been in operation for over 50 years in Namibia, with the aim of building the wealth of its members, protect wealth and give peace of mind to the members.
Mr Andreas Shivute, the Metropolitan Namibia head for stakeholders and product management gave the product overview of the funeral cover, saying that the product provides cover for the whole family, up to 21 lives under a single policy.
Shivute explained some benefits of the funeral plan, saying that there are flexible plan options and optional premium waiver benefits.
“When the policy owner dies, becomes disabled, reaches retirement age or turns 90, the policy becomes paid up, meaning no further premiums are required,” Shivute said. “All insured lives continue to be covered for whole life.”
He also said that there will be a waiting period of two years from the date of policy for a death from suicide to qualify for payout, while a waiting period of six months will apply to natural deaths. “But there is no waiting period for accidental deaths.”
He also said that registration for this funeral cover is voluntary, and those who wish to register will only have to confirm their membership of the ELCIN church without having to provide a membership card.
Mr Lineekela Naukushu, Metropolitan Khomas Regional Manager, explained the implementation plan of the funeral policy, saying that he will be working with Reverend Eino Nangula, who is the director of ELCIN finance, administration and human resources, in rolling out the plan across the country.
“We will travel around congregations to explain this scheme. We want to cover 100% of the entire ELCIN constituency,” Naukushu said.
“Make sure this message reaches everyone of our members,” said Reverend Nangula.
“I trust we make this thing ours and our own. Let us all participate and make it a success.”
Kadhikwa Memorial Choir provided entertainment for the occasion; and Mr Simon Mapeni Kondjashili and Mr Philip Nakaambo were the directors of ceremonies.
In the photo: Mr Sakaria Nghikembua, as well as Dr Gideon Niitenge, were the keynote speakers.
