In a somber announcement from Windhoek, Namibia’s Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba declared the passing of President Hage Geingob at the age of 82. The revered leader, a key figure in Namibia’s struggle for independence, succumbed to illness while undergoing medical treatment at a Windhoek hospital.
President Geingob, who had openly disclosed his battle with cancer just a month ago, took his last breath with his wife and children by his side on a Sunday morning. Swiftly responding to the unforeseen turn of events, Vice-President Mbumba assumed the presidency in a prompt swearing-in ceremony at the state house in Windhoek, a mere 15 hours after President Geingob’s demise.
Expressing his commitment to the responsibilities ahead, President Mbumba declared, “I take on this heavy mantle cognisant of the weight of responsibility.” He is set to hold the position until the upcoming elections later this year, vowing to carry forward the legacy of his predecessor.
Paying homage to the late President, Mbumba credited Geingob with keeping the nation calm and stable through his leadership, lauding him as the chief architect of the constitution. Geingob, who first took office in 2015, had been a prominent figure in Namibian politics since the country’s independence in 1990.
While the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, it is known that Geingob sought treatment for cancerous cells in the United States just a month before his demise. His return to Namibia on January 31 marked the conclusion of a two-day novel treatment.
On Namibian radio, citizens have been sharing fond memories of President Geingob, describing him as a visionary and a person with a sense of humor. The outpouring of grief extends beyond Namibia, with leaders worldwide expressing condolences for Geingob, recognizing his pivotal role in securing Namibia’s freedom.
Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of neighboring South Africa, hailed Geingob as “a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid.” Geingob, a tall and commanding presence, was a stalwart member of the Swapo party, leading the resistance against apartheid South Africa’s oppressive regime.
Geingob’s life unfolded as a tale of perseverance, spending 27 years in exile in Botswana, the United States, and the United Kingdom. During his time abroad, he pursued a Ph.D. in politics in the UK. Returning to Namibia in 1989, a year before the country gained independence, Geingob played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny. As Namibia mourns the loss of a leader, the world reflects on the legacy of President Hage Geingob and his enduring impact on the quest for freedom and equality.