On Sunday, 25 February, thousands of mourners at home and from around the world will swamp Heroes’ Acre to bid their final farewell to Namibia’s third democratically-elected president, the late Hage Geingob. 

The burial ceremony will see the life and times of Geingob finally coming full circle, and will mark an end to  the journey of a dedicated diplomat, unparalleled public servant, political strategist of note and Namibia’s very own son of the soil, who died at age 82 on 4 February in Windhoek. 

In the hours and days to come, at least until Sunday, Namibians from all walks of life will do what they do best; that is to further consolidate their nationhood with bipartisanship, ritual and pageantry. 

As has been the case over the past few weeks, flags will remain at half-mast, and tribute ceremonies will continue across the country as Namibians navigate this very tragic chapter. 

The details 

From the continent and internationally, over 27 countries will be represented at the late president’s funeral service on the outskirts of the capital. 

Official information states that about 18 of those countries will be led by presidents, while the rest of the delegations are expected to be spearheaded by either prime ministers, Speakers of their respective national assemblies, or ambassadors at large.

Sunday’s burial will be preceded by an official state memorial service, which will be held tomorrow at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium from 14:00.  After the official proceedings of the memorial service, the late president’s body will lie in state at the Independence Stadium for the remainder of tomorrow, and then head straight to Heroes Acre on Sunday morning for burial. 

All schools countrywide, including private schools, will today and Monday halt all activities after government declared today and Sunday public holidays, which automatically makes Monday, 26 February, a public holiday, in accordance with the Public Holidays Act of 1990. With classes countrywide only set to resume on Tuesday, today will be an opportunity for hundreds of learners to view and follow the military procession around the capital of the remains of the late president.

Resting place 

President Nangolo Mbumba announced last week that Geingob had been accorded the status of a national hero, and will thus be laid to rest at Heroes Acre. Government has, however, not yet officially confirmed if he will be entombed in one of the four mausoleums at the Acre. 

The Heroes’ Acre, which is the country’s official memorial site and serves to maintain patriotism and national consciousness for present and future generations, was officially inaugurated on 26 August 2002 after 13 months of construction. 

The 26 August inauguration date was to coincide with and honour the start of the armed liberation struggle for Namibia’s independence on 26 August 1966.

The Heroes’ Acre is situated south of Windhoek on the B1 national road to Rehoboth. It is built as a symmetric polygon with a marble obelisk and a bronze statue of the Unknown Soldier at its centre. 

The site contains parade grounds and a grandstand for 5 000 people. The burial site also consists of 174 tombs, not all of which are currently occupied.

Heightened security 

With regards to security, all clusters of the country’s security forces have been placed on high alert, and will all be working hand-in-glove to ensure maximum safety and security to the nation, and to all visiting delegates. 

All 14 police regional commanders, police boss Joseph Shikongo shared, have been directed to place their respective forces in the regions on high alert to ensure calm and order across all pockets of the country. 

“All 14 of my regional commanders are on high alert, and I have also directed that no one should go on leave during this period, until otherwise informed. We need full focus and everyone involved, especially the executive members of the police force. Only those with deaths in their families and other critical emergency issues will be excused. But for the rest of us, we will all be on the ground serving the nation and our visitors. And as we go about our business, let’s be respectful towards members of the community.”

As of yesterday, a heavy police and military presence was visible across Windhoek. Also, non-uniformed officers will be on the ground and amongst members of the public to provide intelligence. 

World leader 

Numerous African and world leaders continue to pay their respects to Geingob, with Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema having this week declared two days of national mourning, starting tomorrow until Sunday in honour of the late president. He has also instructed all flags to fly at half-mast until Sunday.

Kenyan president William Ruto has hailed Geingob as “a distinguished leader who served his nation with focus and dedication”, while South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, former South African president Thabo Mbeki, Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi, Ghanaian president Nana Akufo-Addo and Angolan president João Lourenço have all paid their tributes, and will be in attendance on Sunday.

Meanwhile, president Joe Biden announced that the US presidential delegation to attend Geingob’s burial will be led by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who will be accompanied by Randy Berry, US ambassador to Namibia, and other high-ranking officials.  Amongst many others, the secretary general of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, shared his deepest sorrow at the passing of Geingob. 

MultiChoice Namibia announced that viewers worldwide can follow all proceedings live as they will be opening their channels to the rest of Africa during the memorial and funeral ceremonies tomorrow and Sunday.

 -ohembapu@nepc.com.na