Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Nangolo Mbumba, the Third First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, as well as other family members and friends of the late President Hage Geingob, gathered today to reflect on and honour the life and legacy of President Geingob, who passed away on 4 February 2024.
The Remembrance Ceremony, marking one year since President Geingob’s passing, began at Heroes’ Acre, the late president’s final resting place, where many gathered to pay their respects. The ceremony then moved to State House, where attendees shared personal stories and reflections on their experiences with the late president.
The Third Lady of Namibia reflected on President Geingob’s leadership, emphasising his belief in teamwork, inclusivity, transparency, and his ability to communicate complex ideas in simple ways. She described him as a supportive, confident and guiding presence, who prioritised crisis resolution.
“Hage felt like an institution, a constant presence, and his loss felt like an anchor was removed, and nothing made sense to many of us. At times, I pray that he could just briefly wake up, explain what’s happening in the world, and then disappear again, as so many things don’t make sense. Something feels broken, as though it will never be the same again, and Hage’s love language was that he loved solving other people’s problems,” First Lady Geingos said.
President Mbumba echoed similar sentiments, stressing that while the loss of President Geingob still feels overwhelming, his legacy will live on both nationally and internationally.
“There is nothing that would have prepared the people of the Land of the Brave for that overwhelming loss, which robbed the nation of a dedicated leader who had so much passion and love for all Namibians. President Geingob touched many lives with his kindness, his generosity, his commitment to inclusivity, and his hard work for the prosperity of the Namibian house,” the president said.
He further highlighted that the late president’s legacy is reflected in the pivotal role he played in creating an inclusive public service dedicated to serving the needs of all. He added that President Geingob worked hard to strengthen government institutions to ensure they stood the test of time and provided essential services, particularly to the most vulnerable people in the country.
“On this day of remembrance, we are summoned to reflect on the journey we travelled together as Namibians since that fateful day when death created a sudden absence of a leader who was present in every aspect of Namibian life. President Geingob was present at sports fields, watching soccer or rugby; at music shows, celebrating the arts; at beauty pageants; and at every other event that sought to advance the beauty, welfare, and unity of the Namibian nation,” President Mbumba added.
