Zebaldt Ngaruka
OHAMBO JATATE – San leaders described late president Hage Geingob as a man of the people at the recent memorial service at Omatako village in the Tsumkwe constituency.
Chief among them was !Kung Traditional Authority’s Auho #oma Ngavetene, who said the late president cared a lot about the marginalised communities, and that he was not just a president but a brother, son and father to the San community.
“The president saw our struggles, heard our voices, and fought for what we deserved. He believed in peace and unity, and wanted everyone to be part of the Namibian house,” he stated.
The senior traditional councillor recalled the appointment of deputy minister Royal Kxao Ui /o /oo.
“That was him ensuring all tribes were heard, empowered and no one left behind. He faced insults, yet never wavered, and showed the heart of a true leader who serves, unites and heals,” Ngavetene noted. He added that Geingob has been empowering the San community since he was prime minister of Namibia. “He enabled our children to get education, and taught us the true meaning of leadership and bringing people together. He led with strength, kindness and calming wisdom which will guide us even in his absence,” emphasised the senior councillor.Ngavetene then wished former first lady Monica Geingos strength during this difficult period.
“He may be gone, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of the San community, and all who cherish peace and unity,” he stated. On his part, the San community development body’s chairperson Sauses Karu said the hearts of this community beats heavily with the loss of the president.
“He walked the talk, fighting poverty tooth and nail. Remember the children’s grants? He sent them to school and many now stand tall, educated and empowered,” she expressed praise towards the departed leader. Karu also highlighted the developmental projects the late president championed.
“One cannot forget the coffins provided to us when we lost our loved ones; even the food parcels (known as Harambee by local communities),” she added. The chairperson viewed these as mere echoes, compared to Geingob’s messages to Tsumkwe’s people, where he said “Rise, San People! Thrive! Be the economic force you were meant to be! “Madam Geingos, we feel your pain. We all lost an icon, a brother, and a father figure who ensured our voices heard. We won’t forget his fight for us, he’s in us,” Karu shared.
She observed that the president might be gone, but his spirit burns bright in every San child empowered, every project flourishing.
“We will rise, as he urged, carrying his torch of hope and unity,” emphasised Karu.The San youth representative in the Tsumkwe constituency, Matambo Khaled Kambila, told New Era that the late president was not just a politician, but a beacon of hope.
“The president saw past our disadvantages, our underprivileged backgrounds, and saw potential. He did not just talk about fighting poverty, he armed us with education,” he added.
Kambila, who is among the San graduates from the University of Namibia’s Ogongo campus, said Geingob’s passing must not just be a moment of grief, but a call to action.
“Let’s us honour his legacy by building a Namibia where every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to rise and thrive. His name will forever be etched in the hearts of the San people,” he stressed.
The president’s burial is set for 25 February. -zngaruka@yahoo.com