The 2014 Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership won by outgoing President Hifikepunye Pohamba could not have come at a more opportune time.
The Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership is the largest annually awarded prize in the world and in terms of monetary value eclipses the Nobel Peace Prize.
We should point out from the onset that it is not all about the money but about recognizing the achievements of Pohamba’s presidency characterized by vision, humility, inclusiveness and genuine affection for his motherland.
Pohamba has been a people’s president and has a big heart, is down to earth and is a man who did not throw his weight around despite wielding tremendous power.
He is known for his collective leadership and regularly invited his political opponents for consultative sessions at State House. He is a man who went out of his way to ensure all Namibians have decent housing and one of his legacies is his initiation of the mass housing project through which 185 000 relatively cheap houses are being built for the masses.
The provision of mass housing is at his heart. He even made it a point to regularly remind the minister of housing and the minister of finance to expeditiously see that this national project is implemented without fail.
Under his watchful eye Namibia was among the first countries in Africa to implement universal primary education, in 2013, through which primary education is now free for all.
Free secondary education could be implemented by 2016 all because of Pohamba’s commitment to ensure a better life for all Namibians irrespective of race, ethnicity, religious or political persuasion and social standing.
Pohamba also saw to it that major infrastructural projects such as the construction of the Tsumeb-Katwitwi, Rundu-Elundu, Otjinene-Grootfontein roads and many other crucial roads are built across the country for the facilitation of trade and free movement of people and cargo.
Time and again he took a hands-on approach to ensure public servants delivered the much-needed services to all the people of Namibia and he publicly tongue-lashed those whom he found wanting in executing their duties.
Pohamba did not have time to dabble in petty politics, and witch-hunts were not part of the DNA of his presidency and instead he in a subtle yet firm way discouraged individuals trying to use his high office to settle petty issues.
Indeed his presidency has been one of humility, honesty, prudency and hard work and Pohamba has led by example. He does not have a sense of exaggerated self-importance nor is he a self-seeker but typifies a rare simplicity.
Pohamba is one of a kind cut from the same fabric as his mentor the Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma, is cut. Pohamba becomes the first Namibian to win this coveted prize but will possibly not be the last to bag this prize because his successor, Dr Hage Geingob, also has leadership traits and accolades that could take him places.
We at New Era once again salute this giant who is gentle and has not wavered through thick and thin and through day and through night. We salute you Comrade President.