KEETMANSHOOP – //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick has called on the inhabitants of the region to join her in expressing their deepest condolences and solidarity with former first lady Monica Geingos and the entire Geingob family.
She expressed her condolences to the former first lady, children, family and the entire country on the passing on of president Hage Geingob.
Geingob died at 00h04 on Sunday at the Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek. Frederick described him as a remarkable leader who had dedicated his life to serving the Namibian nation with unwavering commitment and passion.
“His vision, leadership and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our country and its people,” said the governor.
She was also confident that Geingob’s legacy will continue to inspire all Namibians, as they strive to uphold the values and principles he stood for.
“As we mourn the loss of a great statesman, we also celebrate his extraordinary contributions to our nation’s progress and development,” the regional head emphasised in her message.
She continued: “His legacy will forever be remembered, and his impact will be felt for generations to come”. The governor wished the bereaved family strength and comfort in the love and support of those surrounding them, as they navigate through their profound loss. In his message, chairperson on the Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) Gaob Johannes Isaack said although the leadership style of president Geingob was not understood by all at times, he was the best administrator and policymaker.
“His caring and commitment towards our elders and the wellbeing of the entire Namibian nation will be remembered and cherished forever,” said the traditional leader.
Isaack said for the nation, the death of Geingob will indeed be a painful and challenging period. “Our nation never experienced the loss of a president, especially not a sitting president,” the Gaob emphasised.
He said during this difficult time, acknowledging challenges are an unavoidable part of the human experience is crucial, and people should approach it with patience and fortitude. “The Namibian nation knows about pain because of the genocide and colonization. But we endured hardship with graze, and therefore we understand transcending suffering, embracing challenges, and the ultimate manifestation of strength and resilience,” Isaack expressed in his message of condolences.
During a candlelight memorial in remembrance of Geingob, Keetmanshoop local authority councillor Annelise Knaus said they gathered with heavy hearts as a community to celebrate the life of a leader who left an indelible mark on the nation.
“President Geingob was not just a leader, he was a guiding light, a beacon of wisdom, and a source of inspiration for all of us,” the Landless People’s Movement councillor observed.
She added that residents of the //Kharas region not only share the sorrow of his passing, but also the gratitude for his years of dedicated service to the country.
“President Geingob’s leadership was characterised by compassion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of our nation,” said Knaus.
Meanwhile, local pastor Zezito Epifanio shared a message of condolences to the family of the late president, and called on Namibians to unite and pray for the leaders and the country in this darkest moment.
“Our prayers go to his wife, his children and the whole Cabinet. We pray for God’s grace and love. We are experiencing the darkest moment in the history of our country to lose our president, someone who is loved, honoured and appreciated by many, and not just in Namibia. It is a great loss; we all feel the pain and the loss. As the church, we pray for calmness through the transition of the new president and Cabinet. We pray for wisdom so that we depend on God for the decisions that will be made,” added the pastor.
*Additional reporting by Nampa