Death of an icon
• Geingob dies aged 82 • Namibians mourn father of Namibia’s Constitution • Mbumba sworn-in as president • Nandi-Ndaitwah becomes VP • AU boss leads tributes: ‘A baobab has fallen’
While some local analysts claim that Geingob leaves behind a mixed legacy, his dedication to public service, which spanned over three decades, is unheralded.
President Hage Geingob’s death has provoked mixed reactions from Namibians and political leaders around the world. Geingob was both revered and reviled during his time as president, but in death, Namibians have united to mourn their leader.
Geingob was the chief architect of the Namibian Constitution after chairing the Constituent Assembly, which crafted the country’s primary legal instrument.
Namibians woke up on Sunday to the news of Geingob’s demise following a battle with cancer.
Since then, the mood across the country has been sombre, with messages of condolence pouring in from all over the world.
Geingob has largely been praised for broadening transparency and accountability within government ranks, especially after declaring his assets when he became president.
Most of his life has been dedicated to public service. From playing a crucial role in delivering Namibia’s independence to holding public office in post-independent Namibia for more than three decades, his contribution to Namibia’s vibrant democracy is self-evident.
Smooth transition
Nangolo Mbumba, Namibia's former vice president, was sworn in as the new president of Namibia on Sunday until the next elections, as stipulated by the Namibian Constitution.
Yesterday, he emphasised that he is merely fulfilling his duty as stipulated in the Constitution, which requires him, as a right-hand man, to finish Geingob’s term.
“I am not going to be around for the elections, so don’t panic if you are already telling yourself stories. I will be serving you for the remainder of Geingob’s term of office. Let us understand and support one another,” he said.
On the same occasion, Mbumba appointed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the former minister of international relations and deputy prime minister, as vice-president.
Sombre times
It was a sombre atmosphere that engulfed State House on Sunday as government officials and Cabinet members were still coming to terms with the death of Geingob, who had travelled to the United States last week for a trial cancer treatment.
On his return to Namibia on Wednesday evening, however, he was admitted to Lady Pohamba Private Hospital and unfortunately passed away after midnight on Sunday morning.
Mbumba, a Swapo stalwart and former secretary general of the party, served as Namibia's vice-president from 2018 to 2024.
“I accept with humility this noble assignment bestowed upon me, that of appointment as President of the Republic of Namibia. I take on this heavy mantle, cognisant of the weight of this responsibility to serve all people of Namibia with the utmost dedication and commitment,” he said.
Mbumba assured Namibians that he would do his best to continue the legacy of former presidents Sam Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba and now the late Geingob.
“It is poignant and reassuring to note that today, even in this time of heaviness, the nation remains calm and stable. This is owing to the visionary leadership and foresight of President Geingob, who was the chief architect of the Namibian Constitution and the champion of our governance architecture based on sound processes, systems and institutions that are guiding us today,” he said.
He also announced that an interim committee was established on Sunday, consisting of Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Nandi-Ndaitwah and other Cabinet members, to oversee the funeral arrangements.
Looking back
Born on 3 August 1941 in Otjiwarongo, Geingob's early years were marked by protests against an unjust education system during the apartheid era, leading to his expulsion from Augustineum in 1960.
He then left Namibia for the United States for studies and later served as Namibia's representative at the United Nations, playing a significant role in mobilising international support for Swapo.
He returned to his motherland in 1989, when Swapo won the country’s first elections, leading to its independence from South Africa’s apartheid government.
Legacy
Throughout his political career, Geingob held key positions, including prime minister and minister of trade and industry, and in 2014, he was elected as Namibia's president, securing a second term in 2019 despite being implicated in the Fishrot bribery scandal.
According to analysts, Geingob leaves behind a mixed legacy – that of a loved individual and a president who would be remembered for presiding over skyrocketing unemployment – as well as under whose rule Namibia’s economy was in tatters.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said Geingob "will be remembered as a towering figure of Namibia’s liberation struggle and someone who pressed the issue of Namibia's independence at the United Nations."
However, he added that Geingob's legacy is "contested and mixed because he is leaving behind a Namibia that is economically struggling, a Namibia with 43% unemployment, mired in various corruption activities... He was not that strong on corruption."
Moreover, Kamwanyah argued that Geingob leaves behind a divided party.
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Geingob was the chief architect of the Namibian Constitution after chairing the Constituent Assembly, which crafted the country’s primary legal instrument.
Namibians woke up on Sunday to the news of Geingob’s demise following a battle with cancer.
Since then, the mood across the country has been sombre, with messages of condolence pouring in from all over the world.
Geingob has largely been praised for broadening transparency and accountability within government ranks, especially after declaring his assets when he became president.
Most of his life has been dedicated to public service. From playing a crucial role in delivering Namibia’s independence to holding public office in post-independent Namibia for more than three decades, his contribution to Namibia’s vibrant democracy is self-evident.
Smooth transition
Nangolo Mbumba, Namibia's former vice president, was sworn in as the new president of Namibia on Sunday until the next elections, as stipulated by the Namibian Constitution.
Yesterday, he emphasised that he is merely fulfilling his duty as stipulated in the Constitution, which requires him, as a right-hand man, to finish Geingob’s term.
“I am not going to be around for the elections, so don’t panic if you are already telling yourself stories. I will be serving you for the remainder of Geingob’s term of office. Let us understand and support one another,” he said.
On the same occasion, Mbumba appointed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the former minister of international relations and deputy prime minister, as vice-president.
Sombre times
It was a sombre atmosphere that engulfed State House on Sunday as government officials and Cabinet members were still coming to terms with the death of Geingob, who had travelled to the United States last week for a trial cancer treatment.
On his return to Namibia on Wednesday evening, however, he was admitted to Lady Pohamba Private Hospital and unfortunately passed away after midnight on Sunday morning.
Mbumba, a Swapo stalwart and former secretary general of the party, served as Namibia's vice-president from 2018 to 2024.
“I accept with humility this noble assignment bestowed upon me, that of appointment as President of the Republic of Namibia. I take on this heavy mantle, cognisant of the weight of this responsibility to serve all people of Namibia with the utmost dedication and commitment,” he said.
Mbumba assured Namibians that he would do his best to continue the legacy of former presidents Sam Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba and now the late Geingob.
“It is poignant and reassuring to note that today, even in this time of heaviness, the nation remains calm and stable. This is owing to the visionary leadership and foresight of President Geingob, who was the chief architect of the Namibian Constitution and the champion of our governance architecture based on sound processes, systems and institutions that are guiding us today,” he said.
He also announced that an interim committee was established on Sunday, consisting of Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Nandi-Ndaitwah and other Cabinet members, to oversee the funeral arrangements.
Looking back
Born on 3 August 1941 in Otjiwarongo, Geingob's early years were marked by protests against an unjust education system during the apartheid era, leading to his expulsion from Augustineum in 1960.
He then left Namibia for the United States for studies and later served as Namibia's representative at the United Nations, playing a significant role in mobilising international support for Swapo.
He returned to his motherland in 1989, when Swapo won the country’s first elections, leading to its independence from South Africa’s apartheid government.
Legacy
Throughout his political career, Geingob held key positions, including prime minister and minister of trade and industry, and in 2014, he was elected as Namibia's president, securing a second term in 2019 despite being implicated in the Fishrot bribery scandal.
According to analysts, Geingob leaves behind a mixed legacy – that of a loved individual and a president who would be remembered for presiding over skyrocketing unemployment – as well as under whose rule Namibia’s economy was in tatters.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said Geingob "will be remembered as a towering figure of Namibia’s liberation struggle and someone who pressed the issue of Namibia's independence at the United Nations."
However, he added that Geingob's legacy is "contested and mixed because he is leaving behind a Namibia that is economically struggling, a Namibia with 43% unemployment, mired in various corruption activities... He was not that strong on corruption."
Moreover, Kamwanyah argued that Geingob leaves behind a divided party.
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