THE body of the late Minister of Education Abraham Iyambo, who died in London last weekend, will arrive in Namibia today after government officials and a family member left for England yesterday.

Cabinet Secretary Frans Kapofi confirmed that officials, led by Youth Minister Jerry Ekandjo and the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Veiccoh Nghiwete, are to fly back today.

Iyambo will be given a State funeral and will be buried at the Gammams cemetery in Windhoek on Saturday.

Kapofi said a memorial service will be held at the Parliament Gardens at 14h00 on Friday where members of the public will be given the opportunity to pay their last respects.

He said further announcement will be made today.

The Namibian understands that President Hifikepunye Pohamba will soon declare three days of mourning which will be marked by the flying of the national flag at half-mast in honour of the late minister.

Iyambo's cause of death is still unknown, but The Namibian understands that he died of a stroke. Iyambo, who died on his 52nd birthday while attending an education conference, is survived by two children.