Namibia Honors Founding Father Nujoma and President Geingob in National Remembrance
WINDHOEK—Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, led the nation in commemorating the lives and legacies of two pivotal figures in the country’s history: founding President Sam Nujoma and former President Hage Geingob, during a candlelight ceremony in February. The address framed the month as a period of profound national reflection on the contributions of both leaders to Namibia’s liberation and development.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted Dr. Sam Nujoma’s unwavering leadership of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) during the liberation struggle against South African apartheid rule. Elected as SWAPO’s first president in 1960, Nujoma dedicated decades to the independence cause, inspiring generations of Namibians. His presidency, which began at independence in 1990, established the foundation of the nation’s sovereignty.
The tribute then turned to Dr. Hage Geingob, who passed away on February 4, 2024. President Nandi-Ndaitwah noted Geingob’s deep roots in the liberation movement, including his role as a SWAPO representative advocating for Namibia at the United Nations and other international forums. He also led the United Nations Institute for Namibia in Zambia, which trained future leaders.
Following independence, Geingob chaired the Constituent Assembly that drafted Namibia’s Constitution, earning him the title “Father of the Namibian Constitution.” He served as the first Prime Minister and was elected the country’s third president in 2015. President Nandi-Ndaitwah credited his tenure with advancing stronger governance, national unity, peace, and socio-economic development.
Both leaders, she stated, were committed to nation-building, actively working to foster an inclusive society free from tribalism and corruption. Their efforts, she emphasized, underscored national cohesion as essential for sustainable development.
The President concluded by calling on all Namibians to preserve these legacies by building a society founded on dignity, justice, and equal opportunity. She extended wishes for the souls of Nujoma and Geingob to rest in eternal peace. The ceremony serves as a national reaffirmation of the foundational principles upon which modern Namibia was built.
