KEETMANSHOOP – Remembering former president Hage Geingob as a father figure who always placed the interest of Namibian children at heart and also playing a pivotal role in free education for all eligible children up to secondary level, //Kharas learners held various memorial services in honour of the late president this week in the southern town. 

During a service at Don Bosco Primary School, life skills teacher Fysel Beukes, on behalf of the school, expressed their heartfelt condolences towards Madame Monica Geingos and family during their period of pain, sorrow and weeping. Beukes described the departed head of State as a visionary leader who always guided the nation on national issues pertaining to their wellbeing.  “He was in addition a robust advocate ensuring quality and easily- accessible education for all Namibian children,” he said.

Also praising Geingob, grade 7 learner, Cynthia Tiboth remembered ‘Oupa Hage’ as her hero who always stands up for injustices, launching his fight to eradicate poverty and unemployment for the entire Namibian nation. 

“Our beloved president also made it his priority that us, as children, can have free access to education,” she said.  The learner continued that it was commendable to see that president Geingob always included all Namibians in his Harambee Prosperity Plans and during the provision of social grants for those elders and children qualifying for it. Meanwhile, during a memorial service at Keetmanshoop Junior Secondary School, Reverend Andreas Biwa said Geingob in his life “planted trees and sowed seeds” like the Harambee Prosperity Plans and his famous inclusivity call from which he did not reap the final, expected fruits and results due to his untimely departure from earth. “This remarkable leader even put his life on the table in the fight for his people, today living in a free and independent Namibia,” the clergy said. Biwa continued that Geingob was also instrumental in implementing Resolution 435 and the drafting Namibia’s first Constitution. 

Biwa also said: “President Geingob’s legacy of a Prosperous Namibian Home, One Namibia One Nation and inclusivity for all should be vigorously continued and build on for future generations”. 

He further reminded the learners of the late president’s advice to take the short, temporary life one has on earth seriously and strive to make the best out of it. 

“Let the radiance of this great leader’s legacy shine on and touch you as learners so that you can emulate his tracks and examples for generations to come,” the reverend noted.