The nation of Namibia is in mourning following the untimely passing of President Hage Geingob at the age of 82. The somber announcement was made by acting president Nangolo Mbumba, who conveyed that Geingob breathed his last on Sunday at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, surrounded by his devoted wife and children. The news comes less than three weeks after it was disclosed that the President would undergo treatment for cancer.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Geingob’s official Facebook page, Mbumba described the late leader as a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, and the chief architect of Namibia’s constitution. He emphasized Geingob’s pivotal role in shaping the nation and called for calm among the citizens as the government handles the necessary arrangements and protocols.
Last month, Geingob’s office revealed that he had commenced treatment following the discovery of cancerous cells during routine medical examinations. While details of his diagnosis remained undisclosed, the President had pledged to fulfill his presidential duties amidst his health challenges.
Source: RFI
President’s Battle with Health
Geingob’s health battles were not unfamiliar to Namibians. Prior to his presidency, he endured brain surgery in 2013 and later disclosed his victorious battle against prostate cancer. In 2023, he underwent aortic surgery in South Africa, further highlighting his resilience in the face of health adversities.
The late President, who served as prime minister for 12 years, played a significant role in Namibia’s post-independence journey. A staunch anti-apartheid activist, Geingob contributed to the nation’s liberation struggle and subsequently assumed pivotal governmental positions.
Namibia, a former German colony that gained independence from South Africa in 1990, stands at a critical juncture as it prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for November. Geingob, constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, leaves behind a legacy that paves the way for the country’s first female head of state, should the ruling SWAPO Party’s presidential candidate, Nandi-Ndaitwah, emerge victorious.
The passing of President Geingob marks the end of an era for Namibia. His leadership, marked by resilience and dedication, steered the nation through turbulent times and toward greater aspirations. As the nation mourns, tributes pour in from across the globe, honoring the indelible mark left by a statesman whose contributions transcend borders.
The void left by Geingob’s departure will undoubtedly be felt deeply, yet his vision for a prosperous and united Namibia lives on. As the country navigates through this period of loss, the spirit of resilience and unity that characterized Geingob’s leadership shall serve as a guiding light for the future.
In the words of Mbumba, as Namibia bids farewell to a beloved leader, let us remain steadfast and resolute in preserving the legacy of President Hage Geingob. May his memory inspire generations to come, and may his ideals continue to shape the destiny of a nation he so passionately served.
Reflecting on the arduous journey of nation-building, President Hage Geingob shared sentiments of fulfilment in 2020, underscoring the strides made in shaping a new Namibia. His poignant message, accompanied by a photograph capturing him kissing the ground upon his return, encapsulated both pride in accomplishments and a call to action for a more inclusive society.
His Journey as President
Source: ABP News
Assuming office in 2015 for his second and final term, Geingob’s leadership trajectory traversed through the corridors of power, notably as Namibia’s longest-serving prime minister, with a tenure spanning 12 years commencing from 1990 and a brief stint in 2012. However, despite electoral victories, his popularity waned over time, evident in the decline from an overwhelming 87% victory in the 2014 election to 56% five years later.
Challenges loomed large during Geingob’s presidency, marked by economic stagnation, soaring unemployment rates, and pervasive poverty as highlighted by the World Bank. Moreover, his administration grappled with a series of corruption scandals, including the infamous “fishrot” saga, wherein ministers and officials faced allegations of malfeasance in the fishing quota allocation process.
By 2021, discontent simmers among Namibians, with three-quarters of the populace expressing disillusionment about the country’s trajectory—a significant surge from previous years, as revealed by Afrobarometer, an independent polling organization. The once heroic narrative of the ruling SWAPO party’s liberation struggle, which propelled Namibia into independence, began losing its allure, particularly among the younger generation born post-independence, noted veteran observer of Namibian politics, Henning Melber, in 2021.
In anticipation of the November elections, SWAPO nominated Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its presidential candidate. Currently serving as the deputy prime minister, Nandi-Ndaitwah holds the potential to etch her name in history as Namibia’s first female president, should she secure victory at the polls.
As Namibia stands at the crossroads of transition, the legacy of Geingob’s presidency remains a complex tapestry of accomplishments and challenges. While strides have been made in nation-building and socio-economic development, the journey towards an inclusive and prosperous Namibia continues, echoing Geingob’s call for sustained efforts in shaping a better future.
The forthcoming elections bear testament to Namibia’s democratic spirit and the aspirations of its people for accountable and visionary leadership. As the nation looks towards the future, the resolve to address pressing issues, combat corruption, and foster inclusive growth remains paramount in honouring the sacrifices of those who laid the foundation for Namibia’s independence.
In the face of evolving socio-political dynamics, the torchbearer of leadership passes on, with the promise of new beginnings and the aspirations of a nation yearning for progress and prosperity.
