Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA on Monday commemorated what would have been the 85th birthday of the late President Hage Geingob during the inaugural Town Hall Conversation in Windhoek, where political leaders, civil society representatives and academics reflected on his legacy of constitutionalism, unity and inclusive governance.
The event, held at the Peter Nyarango Auditorium on the University of Namibia’s Hage Geingob Campus, celebrated the late president’s contributions to governance, leadership and nation-building through a panel discussion on the principles that defined his leadership.
Speaking during the event, former minister and Sam Nujoma Foundation vice chairperson Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana described Geingob as a leader who shaped generations of SWAPO politicians and championed constitutional governance.
She recalled first meeting Geingob as a young woman and said his commanding presence left a lasting impression.
“But most importantly, Dr. Hage Geingob is the one who moulded some of us to be real politicians,” she said.
Iivula-Ithana said Geingob instilled in many leaders the importance of constitutionalism, insisting that governance should always be guided by the law.
She credited him with spearheading the drafting of Namibia’s Constitution, describing constitutionalism as the governance principle that best defined his leadership.
Bishop Zephania Kameeta said Geingob’s legacy was rooted in national unity.
He compared unity to a family living under one roof, where people with different identities, ideas and backgrounds coexist while supporting one another.
“Their differences are not exclusive and a burden to the other, but are complementary and enriching,” Kameeta said.
He added that sharing, caring, tolerance and solidarity were essential to preserving Namibia’s unity.
Informanté editor-in-chief Chris Jacobie said the phrase “Everybody Matters” best captured Geingob’s approach to leadership.
“President Geingob, for him, everybody mattered,” Jacobie said.
He said the principle extended beyond government to sport and social development, reflecting Geingob’s belief that every Namibian should be included.
Oxford University PhD candidate Bertha Tobias described Geingob as the “dancing president”, saying many young Namibians associated him with the Harambe Prosperity Plan and his vision of pulling the country together.
She explained that the word “Harambee” is derived from the Swahili expression meaning “pull together”, saying it reflected Geingob’s commitment to collective action and inclusive development.
Tobias also recalled meeting Geingob after youth-led protests against gender-based violence.
She said the late president welcomed the protests, telling the activists he was pleased they had demonstrated because it showed they believed the country could do better.
“For me, he was the dancing president who wanted everybody to be included,” Tobias said.
The inaugural Town Hall Conversation formed part of activities marking the late president’s 85th birthday and celebrated his enduring contribution to Namibia’s democracy, constitutional governance and nation-building.
Photos: NBC Digital News
