Former first lady Monica Geingos unveiled late President Hage Geingob’s vision for a presidential centre, an institution to house the legacy of Namibian leadership and governance. She revealed this during a remembrance event at State House on Tuesday, held in Geingob’s honour.
It was the late statesman’s aspiration to establish the Dr Hage Geingob Presidential Centre, a project he meticulously planned and intended as an enduring tribute to Namibia’s democratic journey.
T he commemoration ceremony was attended by dignitaries, family members and friends. On the day, Geingos elaborated on her husband’s dedication to preserving history and leadership principles.
“He understood the weight of his legacy, and he wanted to define himself. He told us where he wanted it to be. He was clear on what it should be focused upon. He wanted the centre to be a place for knowledge, reflection and unity, not just for himself but for all Namibian leaders,” Geingos s a id. She al so received N$150 000 from Amos Shiyuka, the chairman of the Dr Hage Geingob Cup’s 10th edition’s organising committee.
Geingos disclosed that the initial funding for the centre, amounting to N$150 000, would be used to cover its foundational costs and infrastructure development.
The project is currently registered as a non-profit entity, with plans to mobilise private funding for its long-term sustainability.
She said the c ent re’s board, already partially constituted , includes individuals Geingob personally identified, such as the Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi , Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa, Advocate Ngeda Mwani Kamwe , Nangula Geingos, Professor Carlos Lopez, presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari, and Geingos herself.
Geingos said the late president had emphasised the importance of leadership principles over personal narratives in documenting his legacy. “Hage was reluctant to have a personal biography, but he agreed on one condition – that his official book must focus exclusively on leadership principles and governance, rather than personal experiences or controversies,” Geingos said.
Additionally, she spoke of the upcoming book by Audrine Mathe, scheduled for release tonight, clarifying that it was an independent initiative, not Geingob’s official autobiography.
“Hage read the manuscript, corrected biographical details, but declined to interfere with its content because it was not his book,” she said.
Beyond honouring Geingob’s leadership, the presidential centre aims to include the contributions of other Namibian leaders, fostering a collective appreciation of the country’s political history.
“Hage believed that a leader is not made stronger by breaking down another. The centre will be a space where leadership lessons are built from all our leaders, past and present,” she emphasised.
Reflecting on Geingob’s leadership philosophy, Geingos recalled his analogy of Namibia as an aircraft.
“He often said that once elected, a leader becomes the pilot of the nation. While in the air, passengers may not always agree with the pilot’s decisions, but destabilising the plane mid-flight served no one.
Elections are the moment to change the pilot, but once in the air, the focus must be on ensuring a safe and successful flight for all,” she said.
Furthermore, the Dr Hage Geingob Presidential Centre is poised to be a beacon of leadership, unity and historical preservation in Namibia.
“This is not just about one man’s legacy. This is a centre for all of us, a space to celebrate and learn from those who have shaped our nation,” she clarified.
More details on the centre’s development and funding initiatives are expected to be shared in the coming months.
Proceeds
Speaking at the event, Shiyuka reflected on Geingob’s enduring legacy, and the impact of the tournament over the past decade.
“One year later, and this painful wound is still fresh. And we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of our late President, Comrade Hage Geingob.
As we continue to mourn this gentle giant, let us take a step back and mirror some of the great, great teachings that he gave us to keep his spirit alive,” Shiyuka stated.
Throughout the year s , proceeds from the tournament had been directed towards orphanages, old age homes, and other charitable causes at the request of Geingob.
But, with the 10th and final edition of the event, the organising committee consulted the Geingob family, and agreed to channel the funds towards the establishment of the Dr Hage G. Geingob Presidential Centre.
“I’m proud and deeply humbled to represent the organising committee and the sponsors as we hand over this first contribution to this memorial centre,” he said, adding that the tournament had successfully fostered social investment projects across all 14 regions of Namibia since its inception in 2014.
Shiyuka also shared stories about Geingob’s passion for sports, noting that he had a reputation as a talented footballer.
“His nickname apparently was Danger Point. He was a defender, and once you passed him and dribbled, you may score,” he jokingly said.
He urged Namibians to celebrate and honour their leaders while they are alive.
“Let us continue to give flowers to our parents and our leaders while they are alive, and not wait to take flowers to their graves. Namibian youth, let’s respect our parents and leaders, and celebrate their contributions and sacrifices,” he implored.
-ljason@nepc.com.na