President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has thrown her full support behind the establishment of the Hage Geingob Presidential Centre.

This follows confirmation that Geingob’s private residence will be transformed into a national heritage and research centre before the end of the year.

The announcement followed a meeting at State House in Windhoek yesterday between the President and former National Assembly speaker and chairperson of the centre Peter Katjavivi, who briefed her on the progress made so far.

“The purpose of my meeting with the President was to brief her and to enlighten her on what has been done in terms of setting up the Hage Geingob Presidential Centre.

“We have advanced on that front. We have made very good progress in terms of an idea that has been transformed into some practical steps that have been taken,” Katjavivi said.

He stated that a board has already been established to oversee the project and guide its implementation.

“The centre will be located at President Hage Geingob’s residence. That will be transformed into becoming the centre of the work that we’re going to be doing,” he revealed.

He added, “I cannot think of any other appropriate place than his residence”.

The centre will serve as a national archive and exhibition space, where citizens, researchers and visitors can learn about Geingob’s life and leadership. 

It will gather documents, photographs, speeches and artefacts under one roof.

He said the centre will showcase Geingob’s work during Namibia’s liberation struggle, his time at the United Nations Institute for Namibia, and his service as prime minister, Cabinet minister and eventually president.

“All that will form part of the materials that we are looking for. We are also interested in artefacts that have been given in the form of gifts to the late president that might be held at State House and elsewhere,” he said.

Katjavivi said the team has benchmarked with other presidential centres in countries such as the United States, South Africa and Nigeria.

Katjavivi noted that more details will be shared before the end of the year as preparations continue.

“Hopefully, before the end of the year, you will be hearing a great deal more in terms of what has been done,” he said.

– ljason@nepc.com.na