Heavy is the head

President Hage Geingob will deliver his State of the Nation Address today during what many have described as the gravest time for post-democratic Namibia.If any introspection has in fact happened since the rude awakening Geingob received at the polls last year, an honest assessment would be that confidence in his leadership is not at an all-time high.Geingob faces intra-party and external forces that would paint him in unflattering tones. Often there is a perception that he does not deal with criticism or being challenged very well. With the coronavirus crisis, economic depression, unemployment, poverty and food insecurity are expected to deepen. There are many reasons for the majority of Namibians to feel aggrieved. Even before Covid-19, there was dismay and hopelessness in the air. The pandemic has simply hastened the continued economic decline and its accompanying pains for citizens.Politically, Geingob faces a seemingly buoyed opposition in parliament, but it remains to be seen whether they can play a proactive role in setting the agenda. The head of state faces an unenviable task to bring hope and inspiration to a battered nation. Heavy, indeed, is the head that wears the crown.I am reminded of a quote by America's sixth president, John Quincy Adams, which still rings true: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Heavy is the head

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-13

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Heavy is the head

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-13

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