REVEREND Hendrik Witbooi begins his final journey today as Namibia mourns the passing of one of its political pioneers and a spiritual giant.

Witbooi's coffin will be placed in a hearse at the Parliament Gardens at 14h50 with a host of friends, family, politicians and clergymen expected to pay their last respects through speeches, poems and just by their presence.

Members of the public are expected to arrive at the Parliament Gardens from 14h00 while President Hifikepunye Pohamba and the casket will arrive at 14h50.

Among the speakers at today's State memorial service will be representatives of political parties represented in Parliament as well as Minister Jerry Ekandjo, who will speak on behalf of the Gibeon community, former Plan fighters who were based at Gibeon, teachers and pupils of the African Methodist Episcopal Primary School.

Francis Kooper will speak on behalf of the family while Reverend Penias Eduart Topnaar will read the message of the widow, Johanna Sofia Witbooi.

The programme will end with speeches by former Namibian leader Sam Nujoma and President Pohamba.

In between a host of poems and songs will be delivered as part of the tribute.

Tomorrow Witbooi's last trip will continue with a street procession through a street named after him in Mariental at 09h00 before reaching Gibeon at 11h00 where the hearse will be joined by horse riders.

An hour later there will be a church and traditional funeral service at St Mark's AME Church, followed by the wake in the evening at the Witbooi residence.

Reverend Witbooi will be laid to rest on Sunday during a State funeral with a 17-gun salute.