Elvis Muraranganda
David Junias
Renowned writer, entrepreneur and motivational guru, Emanuel James Rohn, eloquently said: “All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.” In order to fully comprehend Rohn’s thoughts, one cannot go unforgiven if caught basking and engrossing in these words and vividly be reminded of two of the world’s contemporary leaders, Presidents Hage G. Geingob and China’s Xi Jinping and how their rise to the first offices, remains an epoch for a promising and enticing future for both their nations. It is imperative to understand that the molecules of any generational leadership, such as that of Geingob and Xi, are formed by history, tests and triumphs, but above all, true altruism, as indispensable building blocks.
Geingob and Xi’s convergence in their New Year speeches echoing and sharing commitments to prioritize the welfare of their citizens, is a confirmation of being concerned with the wellbeing and health of their nations and people. Both leaders articulate strategies intricately tailored to meet diverse age group needs within their populations, while laying strong foundations for a sound and secure sustainable future for their nations.
Geingob’s emphasis on an all-inclusive developmental approach was echoed in the desire to increase the old age pension grant, underscoring the importance of addressing specific demographic needs, the conversion of the Food Bank into a conditional Basic Income Grant assisting food insecure Namibians in urban and peri-urban areas and employment creation in the green energy, oil, uranium industries, currently at the fingertips. On the other hand, Xi’s focus on delivering a “better life for the people” resonates comprehensively, ensuring quality education for children, career opportunities for the youth, and accessible healthcare for the elderly, showcasing a holistic governance approach. Both leaders have worked tirelessly and selflessly to carve strong foundations of food security, poverty alleviation, inclusivity, shared prosperity and good governance architecture, with Geingob’s Harambee Prosperity Plan ushering in a new dawn in which Namibia become the most sought after investment destination with the prospects of green hydrogen, while Xi’s Socialism with Chinese characteristics propelled China to the world’s second largest economy spot. What is it about these two leaders, while worlds apart, share similarities in being the best thing for their nations, building a legacy for a brighter and stronger future for the generations to come? In order to understand this, it is crucial to recall that as stated earlier, this type of leaders is built by history, tests and triumphs.
History: It is true that both Geingob and Xi share similar political backgrounds and rise within the rank and file of their respective political parties, with Xi having held party positions around China and then later the Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, and the President of his country and his party. Geingob on the other hand also served the SWAPO Party of Namibia in the Central Committee and Politburo, to Prime Minister, backbencher, Cabinet Minister, Prime Minister and ultimately the First Citizen and leader of his party. This historical context frames the current drive, and the somewhat similarities in approach to the leadership styles of Geingob and Xi.
Tests: The rise to first offices for both Geingob and Xi was not delivered on a silver platter and even so, after taking over the top spots they continue to face many tests, challenging their leadership fortitude and ability to remain on focused on the goal of economic emancipation and poverty eradication in their countries. Geingob, since taking over office, has had a fair share of threats of nationwide demonstrations and land grab, below the belt criticism and unfounded accusations by certain circles while Xi has not been spared the rot of global cold views of the leadership style in China, suspicions of industrial espionage and many other unconfirmed rumours.
Triumph: Despite the tests, under the Geingob administration, Namibia has seen the tightening of lids on suspicious tenders, continued peace and security, expansion of physical and communication infrastructure, including national road network, poverty reduction through comprehensive social safety nets; improved access to safe and clean drinking water; universal access to primary and secondary education and gender parity both in the classroom and in Government leadership roles, to mention but a few. China under President Xi has also seen an increase in the fight against corruption, the calming of once-unruly borderlands, state taking the lead in economic drive and guidance of the economy, income steadily rising, leading on green tech and in ending pollution, and extreme poverty eliminated as some of the examples of the current administration. As these two leaders embark on 2024, their commitment to their people is evident. The parallel ideologies shared by Geingob and Xi reflect a global shift towards governance prioritizing citizens’ well-being across demographics. It is a reality that both Geingob and Xi share the same vision and passion for their people, which is of economic emancipation and shared prosperity and have done so, not only in rhetoric but also in action through the legacy which they have laid down. Their rise to the top office marked the epoch for a future of endless opportunities for all because they are creating legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine. As we wish both leaders and governments a productive 2024, we hope to witness more fulfilment of promises, bringing more tangible improvements to citizens’ lives, while continuing in cementing their strong legacies. May the shared history between Namibia and China continue fostering cooperation and mutual prosperity in the years ahead.
* David Junias is Youth Though Leader. Email: davidjunias@gmail. com
* Elvis Muraranganda is an alumni of the China-Africa Press Centre fellowship programme, a media personality with over 13 years’ experience and a communications