Looking back at Hage’s first 100 days in power
As President Hage Geingob marks 100 days in office today, he has been praised for a number of accomplishments, including delivering the country’s best ever State of the Nation Address, while others criticised him for being a fan of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
Geingob took over the instruments of State power from his predecessor Hifikepunye Pohamba on March 21.
While declaring war on poverty during his inaugural address, Geingob said Namibians deserve decent food and want a leader who will bring them prosperity quickly.
He said that after 25 years, Namibians want food, clothing, shelter, jobs, better housing and good nutrition.
Shortly before his swearing-in, Geingob gave the clearest indication yet to what the nation can expect from his presidency, by announcing sweeping changes to government ministries.
This included splitting the Ministry of Education, appointing church leaders to head the new Ministry of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare and playing to the strengths of others he appointed as ministers and deputy ministers.
Geingob also declared his personal wealth and that of the First Lady, Monica Geingos.
He also made several international trips, including to Angola and South Africa, where he attended the just-concluded African Union (AU) summit.
Political commentators who spoke to Namibian Sun about Geingob’s first 100 days as President praised him for a number of changes, but questioned whether his Cabinet is giving him their full support for the vision he has for the country.
University of Namibia academic Hoze Riruako said Rome was not built in a day and it will be difficult to expect a lot from Geingob within 100 days.
“He was able to rollout his strategy, which culminated in the type of leadership which he wants. He has managed to deploy some key people in some key positions,” said Riruako.
The politics lecturer stressed there is still a need for Geingob to appoint his economic, political, legal and performance and evaluation advisors, as well as his chief of staff and a presidential spokesperson. He, however, cautioned that the names which have been linked to these portfolios in media reports “are not the best brains” that Namibia can offer.
“While President’s rhetoric means well, his action on the ground needs to back up his words.”
Riruako commended Geingob for his pronouncements on certain issues affecting Namibians, including the land question, as well strengthening Namibia’s bilateral relationships with South Africa and Angola. “We would like to see his approach of no Namibian should be left out translate into action on the ground. He needs to come up with firm policies for inclusivity and not for exclusivity for a small group of elites.”
Retired politician and former parliamentarian Nora Schimming-Chase said judging from Geingob’s State of the Nation Address, he did well in some areas in his first 100 days in office.
“In terms of declaring his assets, that was a good leadership act, although his Cabinet has not done this at all,” said Schimming-Chase.
“One wonders whether the Cabinet carries out instructions given to them by the person who appointed them, which is the Head of State.”
The veteran politician said she has not seen much implementation by Geingob’s government.
“When you look at the travel ban which he had announced, there are still some ministers who are travelling outside the country.”
She further expressed concern at Geingob’s public utterances that the Zimbabwean leader is his role model. “I know that we all have the right to have anyone to be our role models, but I did not expect that my President will say Mugabe is his role model.”
Schimming-Chase said Geingob should have delivered his speech at the recent AU summit.
According to her, some of the newly created ministries are not functioning 100 days later.
“The President is showing seriousness in his 100 days. There is the good, the bad and ugly within the first 100 days.”
Constitutional expert Nico Horn said Geingob delivered the country’s best ever State of the Nation Address.
“He started the process of accountability with his assets disclosure. He made very specific comments on certain issues, particularly on land,” said Horn.
“He can be commended for his comment that no Namibian should be left out.”
Horn said he is, however, disappointed by the possible removal of the ban which prevented public servants from having and running private businesses, which could lead to conflict of interest.
WINDHOEK ELVIS MURARANGANDA
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