By Tinotenda Afarasi
He loved his country Namibia, and in equal measure, he loved the people of Zimbabwe as demonstrated by his call for the lifting of evil sanctions imposed on Harare by the West led by the United States and a number of European countries.
President Hage Geingob, a President who was admired by fellow Namibians and millions across SADC and in the world, was a jovial being. When he joined children playing at school, he would leave them happier; when he joined his party SWAPO’s women’s wing, he would sing and dance with them.
Everyone he interacted with; he left them happier than before.
What a man, what a leader!
And when he passed on at the age of 82 due to cancer on February 4 this year, little wonder Namibians from every corner of the country descended on Windhoek to bid him farewell. Nearly 20 sitting Heads of State and Government, five Prime Ministers, seven former presidents and 27 government delegations from across the world, converged in Windhoek to bid the late President Geingob farewell.
President Mnangagwa was one of them.
In his address to mourners during a memorial service at the Independence Stadium on February 24, President Mnangagwa said President Geingob was among the few leaders who used to speak openly against the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the US.
“Every speech he made at the United Nations, he appealed to those who imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe to remove them unconditionally,” said President Mnangagwa.
“So, now, as Zimbabweans, we have lost a pillar of support; this giant, Cde Geingob.
“He was one of the solid supporters of Zimbabwe.”
President Mnangagwa said he met the late President Geingob first when they were freedom fighters in Zambia, and when they became presidents.
“I remember my dear brother, the late President Hage Geingob, was the director of SWAPO there in Zambia early in the 1960s to 1966.
“We met as freedom fighters and we continued to collaborate and work together.
“So, to me, it was like an elder brother and younger brother relationship; so, we worked together since the liberation days up to today.
“During the struggle, we worked together. We continuously worked together until we brought independence at different times.
“I personally worked with most SWAPO leaders, from the founding President Sam Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba and others in Tanzania and Zambia.
“Now we must continue to make sure that the younger generation upholds Pan-Africanism and the dignity of Africans.
“We should uphold the total independence of our people and together we should be able to support each other as a region and continent,” said the President.
Go well Pan-African par excellence
President Mnangagwa described the late President Geingob as a hero and visionary statesman who served his people with utmost distinction.
“He championed the values of Pan-Africanism and the emancipation of the peoples of Africa. He was a staunch supporter of African independence,” he said.
“I recall that during my State visit to this great country in 2019, President Geingob and I resolved to upgrade our relations to the level of Bi-National Commission, to further deepen the multi-pronged scope of our cooperation.
“In Zimbabwe, we shall remember him for working tirelessly to consolidate the long-standing relations that exist between our two countries,” said President Mnangagwa.
He added that President Geingob left an indelible legacy that elder African leaders must preserve and hand down to young generations. President Mnangagwa also said President Geingob was committed to justice and equality for all.
“Let’s continue building and modernising our nations for a higher quality life for all Africans,” he said.
Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila described President Geingob’s death as “one of the darkest days in our nation’s history”.
Namibia President Nangolo Mbumba said although President Geingob had physically departed to the hereafter, “his legacy extends beyond borders”.
“We lost a man who touched many hearts, a caring leader who dedicated his life to serve and uplift others,” said President Mbumba.
“He was a mentor who championed the establishment of a public service charter on a solid foundation.
“It is my hope and wish that we will take up the mantle of leadership to ensure the dream (of a Namibian House) is not deferred indefinitely.”
For President Geingob, a “Namibian House” was where all felt a sense of belonging to the country and wished to continue striving for national prosperity.
He is survived by wife Madame Monica Geingos, eight children and three grandchildren.
