Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba, who has assumed the presidency, described Hage Geingob as a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of Namibia’s constitution, and the pillar of the nation’s house.
President Geingob’s legacy is deeply rooted in Namibia’s struggle for liberation. Born in 1941, he witnessed the turbulent era of apartheid in South Africa.
Geingob, born in 1941 in a northern Namibian village, made history as the first president of the southern African country from a different ethnic group, breaking away from the majority Ovambo ethnicity, which constitutes over half of the nation’s population.
For many citizens, his passing signifies not only the loss of a political figure but also the end of an era and the departure of someone who symbolized stability and leadership.
Here are some key aspects of Namibia’s late President, Hage Geingob:
Activism and Exile:
Geingob was an anti-apartheid activist from a young age and spent nearly three decades in exile in Botswana and the United States while Namibia was under South African rule. He returned to Namibia after independence in 1990.
Political Career:
Geingob played a crucial role in Namibia’s early years of independence, serving as the country’s first prime minister from 1990 to 2002. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the position of prime minister from 2008 to 2012 and served as the president of the ruling SWAPO Party.
Presidency:
He became Namibia’s third president in the 2014 election, winning a significant majority with 87% of the vote. However, his support declined, and he won with 56% in the subsequent election five years later. He was re-elected in 2019 and initiated ambitious projects, including offshore oil and gas discoveries and a green hydrogen initiative.
Health Struggles:
Geingob faced several health challenges, including surviving prostate cancer in 2014, undergoing brain surgery in 2013, and having heart valve surgery in South Africa in June 2023. He announced a cancer diagnosis in 2024 and sought treatment in the U.S.
End of Presidency:
Geingob’s death occurred a few months before the Namibian presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for November 2024. He would not have been eligible to compete in these elections due to completing the maximum allowed two-term limits.
Lifestyle:
Known for his passion for football, Geingob often attended high-profile games. He was also a regular attendee at the Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs). He was involved in musical activities during his youth, including singing in a choir and playing in a band.
