February of giants: Nation honours Nujoma and Geingob

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says February has become a month of national reflection, a month in which Namibia remembers the lives of two leaders who played pivotal roles in Namibia’s liberation struggle and its post-independence nation-building.

She was speaking at a candle-lighting ceremony at Heroes Acre on Saturday to honour late founding president Sam Nujoma, who died on 8 February 2025, and Namibia's third president, the late Hage Geingob, who passed away on 4 February 2024.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said Nujoma and Geingob each left an indelible imprint on Namibia’s pre-and post-independence story.

“Founding President Nujoma laid the firm foundation of our freedom and sovereignty, while President Geingob strengthened that foundation through institution-building and a commitment to unity and social progress," she said.

"Both leaders championed nation-building, tirelessly working to foster unity and create an inclusive society, free from tribalism, division and corruption,” she added.

“Their efforts emphasised the importance of national cohesion and integrity as pillars for sustainable development. Together, their contributions form part of one continuous national journey,” the president said.

Lasting impact

Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia is able to see further as a nation because it stands on the shoulders of two giants.

“To the Nujoma family and the Geingob family, we say: your loss is deeply personal, but it is also shared by the entire Namibian nation, the whole of Africa and the world. We remain grateful for the sacrifices you made in sharing these gallant sons of the soil with the people of Namibia."

She urged Namibians to preserve their legacies by building a society grounded in dignity, justice and equal opportunity, and called for their continued remembrance.

Nangula Geingob, speaking on behalf of the Geingob family, said the late Geingob was passionate about empowering young people and creating opportunities for them.

Meanwhile, Nujoma’s son and former labour minister, Utoni Nujoma, speaking on behalf of the Nujoma family, said Nujoma left a mark that time cannot erase and thanked his father for his immense contribution to the country’s liberation.

[email protected]