Good for the goose, not for the gander

JEMIMA BEUKES WINDHOEKGovernment yesterday moved to pour cold water over criticism that it has reneged on its own directives against the coronavirus by inviting hundreds of guests to State House for Saturday’s inauguration of President Hage Geingob.Geingob declared a state of emergency last week, which included the suspension of all gatherings – including funerals and church services – of more than 50 people.Despite his own directive, Geingob’s swearing-in attracted over 400 guests, who included southern African presidents of Zimbabwe, Angola and Botswana – whose countries have officially confirmed cases of the viral virus.South Africa, whose infection tally reached 240 over the weekend, was also represented by their minister of international relations and cooperation, Naledi Pandor.Observers accused government of classism and dishonesty, as well as failing to lead by example.Others said this was a blatant disregard of the nation’s safety.The Botswana Nurses’ Union (Bonu) on Saturday issued a statement in which it criticised president Mokgweetsi Masisi for coming to Namibia, saying he broke a standing order in that country on travelling to affected countries. The union called for Masisi to be quarantined for 14 days.The executive director at Namibia’s ministry of information Mbeuta-Ua Ndjarakana said the country deserves a pat on the back for managing to gather less than 1 000 people, as opposed to the original guest list of about 30 000.It is also his view that it would be unheard of to have had only the president and the chief justice present at the inauguration.“I am relieved that you are saying about 400 people. I am relieved to hear it was not 1 000, which was my pure estimation. But that number was our best effort, given that this was a unique situation,” he told Namibian Sun.“It was an inauguration of a president who was elected to office and who did not come to power through any other means. And we deserve a pat on the back because nobody could be traced to have brought the coronavirus there,” he said.Sub-Saharan Africa recorded its second coronavirus death last Friday.The BBC reports that the coronavirus have surpassed 300 000 infections, with more than 13 000 deaths around the world. So far 92 000 people have recovered from the virus.During his inaugural speech on Saturday, Geingob thanked the attending statesmen for their bravery to attend his inauguration despite the outbreak of the coronavirus.“My dear friends and brothers who risked their lives to come here to be with us… they could not be here if they did not feel they are my brothers and comrades,” he said.His inauguration coincided with the country’s 30th Independence Day anniversary.Also taking the flack over crowds exceeding 50 people was the National Assembly, which on Friday swore in 96 members.Members were accompanied by over 30 parliamentary staff members and a group of journalists.No fever screening was done at parliament, but screening did take place at State House on Saturday.Mocking good governanceThe conduct of southern African presidents and leaders attending the inauguration flies right into the face of the state of emergency declared in the region.Angola closed its air, land and sea borders last week, but its president Joao Lourenco attended the celebration in Windhoek along with his entourage.The president of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a national disaster after his country recorded one coronavirus case, but he too travelled to attend Geingob’s inauguration. RecklessHuman rights lawyer Norman Tjombe criticised Geingob and the three presidents as being utterly irresponsible at a time when they are expected to lead by example.He pointed out that a low-key event with only the president, first lady and chief justice would not have invalidated the occasion.“It is reckless beyond measure that the state of emergency was violated in such manner. There are people who doubt the pandemic. What State House sent as a message is that those doubts are valid,” Tjombe said.“If the country’s most knowledgeable people gather in a crowd of more than 50 people, without masks and gloves in the middle of this deadly pandemic, then others can go to a bar with friends or visit their grandparents, because it can’t be that dangerous. It was simply irresponsible and dangerous.”Political commentator Henning Melber said Geingob has put his own ego above the concern for the nation by going ahead with an elaborate inauguration.“Unfortunately, he squandered a great opportunity to show that he is a responsible and considerate president who is able to put the general welfare about his personal ego. A sign of modesty by means of a low-key ceremony in a small group of less than 50 people would have secured him the respect and recognition he thrives for,” he said.jemima@namibiansun.com

Good for the goose, not for the gander

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-17

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Good for the goose, not for the gander

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-17

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