Staff Reporter
DESCRIBED as a man with style, a fierce political adversary, and a dancer of note on stage, members of parliament shared their memories as well as messages of condolences on the passing of the late President, Dr. Hage Geingob.
In his remarks, Speaker of the National Assembly, Prof. Peter Katjavivi, described Dr. Geingob not only as a statesman of the highest order but also as a beacon of hope for the Namibian people and the entire SADC region.
“His dream of a united Namibia, where people cohabit in harmony and peace, will serve as a unifying force for future generations. Geingob was the chair of the constituent assembly which gave birth to the Namibian constitution,” Katjavivi said.
Minister of Information Communication Technology, Dr. Peya Mushelenga, said that as a parliamentarian, Geingob maintained a high standard when it came to debating. “Members of the august house looked forward to his last SONA and account to the nation. What a missed opportunity, a lion has disappeared from the jungle. The builder has put down the tools; it is for us now to guard the walls,” the minister said.
The Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa Amadhila, said that the Namibian nation has lost in the death of Geingob, a visionary and revolutionary leader who dedicated his life to serving others. “We remember Geingob’s work as SWAPO’s representative in the UN, in America. This galvanized international support towards the struggle for independence. Geingob developed a pool of cadres in forming a new republic. Geingob led the delegation of the first team of SWAPO cadres from exile to Namibia. He is a champion of Namibia’s governance architecture. He played a crucial role in unifying Namibia after apartheid,” Kuugongelwa Amadhila said.
Also sharing remarks, McHenry Venaani, president of the Popular Democratic Movement and official opposition, said that Geingob was a man of class and style who could transcend political boundaries.
“President Geingob liked the good things in life. How he smiled, how he walked. That is the advisor that I had to mirror and shadow. Take him to an international forum with men and women of stature. The way he carried his jacket, delegations would ask who is that man. He was the embodiment of the highest standard of Namibia. The man could transcend enemy lines. A debater. He is the only president who left office watching parliamentary debates every day. ‘Venaani, you think you are my equal,’ he would say and laugh. Geingob was a man all of us would learn from… Geingob will be celebrated at the UN assembly today, the very nexus of multilateralism,” Venaani said.
Swapo Party SG, Sophia Shaningwa, on behalf of the leadership and the entire rank and file of the SWAPO party, echoed words of consolation and wishes of strength to Madame Monica Geingos, the children, the grandchildren, Geingob’s clan, and the entire bereaved family.
“SWAPO and the nation have indeed lost a true icon. In the existence of each nation, there are men and women who leave a permanent mark, men and women who are the products and makers of history. When they pass on, they leave a vision of a new and better life. For Namibia, comrade Dr. Hage Geingob was one of them,” Shaningwa said.
She further discounted rumours that she is on her deathbed and added she refuses to die now, as she will have to continue the work of Dr. Geingob.
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