Martin Endjala
In a unified voice, the Business community yesterday paid tribute to the late President Hage Geingob, describing him as a man of inclusivity and shared prosperity during a memorial service at Casa Rosalia.
Ohlthaver & List Group, Chairman Sven Thieme, recalled his first encounter with Geingob at the opening of Mokuti Lodge, when he was the Prime Minister, marking the beginning of a relationship that would evolve into a deep and enduring friendship.
“This bond extended through to the establishment of landmarks like the Wernhil mall, Namibia’s first shopping mall, reflecting our confidence in the nation’s leadership and the promise of a smooth transition towards independence,” he said.
Thieme said his personal interactions with the President revealed a man of great stature yet accessible, warm and genuine. Emphasising that his leadership was marked by an authentic passion for the “Namibian House,” a vision of a nation united in diversity, strength and shared prosperity.
He stressed that Geingob’s commitment to inclusivity, his groundbreaking role as the first non-Oshiwambo president, and his philosophy of unity and collective progress have left an indelible mark on the nation’s soul.
Under his leadership, Thieme said, Namibia gained recognition on the global stage as an attractive destination for investment and a pioneer in the development of green hydrogen.
He said Geingob’s foresight has positioned the country at the forefront of sustainable energy, earning the respect and commitment of the international business community, and as part of the business community, they are dedicated to continuing his work, ensuring his vision for a thriving Namibian House, to continue his legacy.
Furthermore, as they reflect on his monumental contributions, Thieme said they are reminded of the importance of embracing diversity, fostering economic growth, and continuing to build the Namibian House, where every citizen has a place and a role in the shared future.
In honour of the former President’s legacy, Thieme urged everyone to commit to the ideals Geingob championed: unity, inclusivity and the relentless pursuit of progress for all Namibians.
The Banker’s Association President Conrad Dempsey, extended his sincere condolences and great sympathy to former First Lady Monica Geingos and family.
Dempsey assured that they will stand with the government in the feeding and educating of every child, by helping to ensure safety and shelter, by building capacity and by growing local talent.
“To redouble efforts to ensure local stakeholders reap the benefits of a strong banking sector, and the country’s pension funds remain well rewarded for their investments, through investments into the people and Namibians everywhere, to build strong partnerships that grow businesses and empower individuals and families,” Dempsey said.
He reiterated that the Banker’s Association is committed to the vision of Geingob of no one being left behind while emphasising that building an inclusive prosperous nation requires some hard decisions at times.
Federation of Namibian Tourism Association (FENATA), Vice-Chairperson Kenneth Nependa, said during the official opening of the Office of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), the former President urged Namibians to be a country of “hospitality, and not hostility.
While also suggesting that Namibians should roll out a red carpet to visitors to ensure that they feel welcome and at home when visiting Namibia.
He said Geingob’s optimism about economic transformation and actions have reshaped the tourism landscape of the country, attracting foreign investment and renowned world leaders.
“Independent Namibia has lost one of its pioneers, who served this country until the end. President Geingob may have departed from this world in flesh, but his spirit remains ever-present among us. May his legacy live on, and his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Nependa.
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