The Namibian government held several events at the weekend to remember late president Hage Geingob, who passed away six months ago. Among these events was the renaming of the Windhoek-Hosea Kutako International Airport road to the Dr Hage Geingob Freeway. President Nangolo Mbumba officiated at the renaming ceremony, stating that president Geingob deserved this honour due to his rich and proud legacy.  He emphasised that the road symbolises Geingob’s belief in nationhood, unity, accountability, transparency and his vision of an inclusive Namibian house. “President Geingob was a transformational leader who played a key role in driving prosperity. 

He challenged us to unite as one
Namibia, one nation. Today, we proudly name this magnificent highway in his cherished memory. From now on, it shall be known as the Dr Hage Geingob Freeway, honouring a historic son of the soil, a loving husband, a proud father and a distinguished servant of the Namibian people,” he stated.

Former first lady Monica Geingos expressed her gratitude to the Roads Authority for naming the road after her late husband. 

“Thank you for renaming the road. I believe his legacy will persist, as he believed that legacies should endure,” she said. 

Geingos revealed that her husband knew about the plan to name the road
after him, but preferred it is done posthumously as he believed it was difficult to honour living individuals.

She said: “He also knew that this road was going to be named after him. He knew because Conrad [Lutombi] came privately to test the water with him and tell him we would like to name the road after you; he said no. It must be named after president [Hifikepunye] Pohamba because he did a lot for the country’s infrastructure. 

He was told that president Pohamba would have a road named after him at the coast. The second excuse he used was that maybe it shouldn’t be done while he’s alive.”

The Dr Hage Geingob Freeway is a 50-kilometre road from Windhoek, where it branches off the Western Bypass, to the Hosea Kutako International Airport. 

Works and Transport minister John Mutorwa said the road, previously referred to by its geographic name, will now carry the name of the late president. He highlighted the road’s connection to the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, linking Namibia to Botswana and South Africa.

“Namibia has made considerable progress on road transport,” he noted.

Heroes Acre

In addition to the renaming ceremony, Namibians, including Geingos and her children, gathered at Heroes’ Acre to honour Geingob on what would have been his 83rd birthday. They laid wreaths, and observed a moment of silence to celebrate his life. Geingob, the third President of Namibia, died on 4 February 2024 after a battle with cancer.

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and Speaker of the National Assembly of Professor Peter Katjavivi also attended the remembrance ceremony, reflecting on Geingob’s dedication to nation-building and his legacy of unity. 

Reflection

Geingos paid tribute to her late husband, emphasising their shared values of transparency and straightforwardness in both their personal and political lives.

She acknowledged the difficulty of coping with her husband’s death, despite outwardly appearing fine. 

She shared her experiences in dealing with her husband’s passing, revealing that many people, both friends and strangers, often ask her how she and her children were coping.

“Often, when I meet people, whether friends or total strangers, they ask me how we are doing. I usually say we are fine, but the truth is, we are not fine,” she noted.

She admitted that she still struggles to accept that Geingob is gone, sometimes hoping he might return.

“Sometimes, I feel like he is coming back. To feel his presence, I apply his perfume. Geingob was a man of substance, but it’s been six months without him, and he is truly gone,” she reflected.

Despite her grief, she expressed gratitude.

“I felt relieved by the support I’ve received from Geingob’s friends, strangers and Namibians at large. Geingob was indeed a people’s president,” she said.

Remembrance 

President Mbumba highlighted Geingob’s commitment to serving all Namibians, noting his ability to open doors to global leaders for the sake of the Namibian people. He stressed that Geingob’s legacy should inspire Namibians to avoid selling their country for material gain.

Professor Katjavivi recalled Geingob’s influence and the lessons learnt from his leadership, emphasising the importance of unity, and carrying forward Geingob’s vision.