In the corridors of power, every detail matters, and each ticking second counts. For decades now, two key figures have operated in the shadows while ensuring seamless execution of presidential duties.

We are referring here to Tuhafeni Modesto, who ensures order and diplomacy, while commissioner Johan Ndjaronguru is the security man. In political lexicon, they are referred to as State protocol officers and presidential bodyguards. As the curtain closed on President Nangolo Mbumba’s tenure last week, New Era State House correspondent Loide Jason sat down with Modesto and Ndjaronguru for a glimpse into their world.

One of the two men manages diplomacy, orchestrating events with meticulous coordination to uphold national and international protocols.
The other stands as the ultimate shield, prepared to sacrifice everything  – including his own life – to protect the Head of State.

Both men have served two sitting presidents – the late Hage Geingob and Mbumba. Although their duties differ, they share a common thread – commitment to the nation, discipline and an unbreakable sense of duty. This is a rare glimpse into their world, where order meets protection.
In this world, service to the president is a calling, not just a job.

The diplomat

While Modesto ensures there is order and diplomacy, commissioner Ndjaronguru, or ‘Oom Johan’ as he is affectionately known in some circles, ensures the president’s safety and protection. Together, they form an essential part of the president’s daily operations.
As a State protocol officer, Modesto prepares to leave office after years of service, and reflects on the journey that brought him to this moment.

Having served the late Geingob for over a decade, he described his tenure as an honour and a privilege, acknowledging the many people who played a role in making his job possible.

“Growing up, I never imagined that one day I would be standing next to the president, directing him where to go, when to stand, and how things should be done,” he disclosed.

“Protocol is the glue that holds everything together in the president’s daily life. It requires coordination with security, household staff and transport, whether by air or on the ground, ensuring that all elements align seamlessly to make the president’s movements smooth and efficient,” he noted.

As the first person officially assigned to the role of State protocol officer stationed at State House, with no predecessor to guide him, he had no one to look up to.

It was not an easy Sunday afternoon walk in the park for him.
“I had to learn everything from scratch, often the hard way. But as the late president used to say, ‘Education is the greatest equaliser,’ and I dedicated myself to mastering the art of protocol,” he reminisced.

Challenges

One of the most difficult aspects of his job was the daily responsibility of directing numero uno, an Italian phrase used when referring to the country’s first citizen.

“For someone like me, from my background, being the one to tell the president what to do was already a challenge. Traditionally, we listen to our elders, not the other way around.

But in this job, I had to learn how to guide the president while maintaining the highest level of respect towards him,” he said.

Modesto added that one of the most crucial and challenging aspects of his job was to understand the president’s different moods.

“You needed to know whether your principal is in a good mood or not, when to approach him, and when to hold back. There were moments where I had to communicate with foreign presidents and dignitaries on behalf of my president, ensuring that meetings were properly arranged and that everything ran smoothly,” he continued.

Day

“There is no start or end to the day for a State protocol officer. You may think your day has ended at 20h00 or 21h00, only for the president to call you at midnight, saying he wants to attend a certain funeral the next morning. You have no idea who the deceased is, where the funeral is, or what time it will start. Yet, within hours, you must gather all the necessary information and provide the president with a plan before he even goes back to sleep,” he said as he unpacked a typical day in his life.
By 07h00 the following day, Modesto would be in the office already, reviewing the president’s daily itinerary. “The schedules change regularly. What might have been finalised the night before might be different by morning because the president may have added or removed some engagements. My job was to coordinate with security and ensure everything was in place,” he said.

Advice

For the person taking over his role, Modesto emphasised three key qualities to succeed: effectiveness, efficiency and loyalty.

“Every message must be communicated clearly because a single miscommunication can lead to serious consequences. Loyalty is paramount because you are entrusted with confidential information that must be handled with the utmost discretion,” he advised.

Journey

His journey into State House was unexpected. While studying for his master’s degree in international relations in China, Modesto had planned to return to Asia to complete his doctorate.
However, upon his return to Namibia, he was assigned to the prime minister’s office (Geingob’s then office) to assist as a junior protocol officer.
“Initially, it was only supposed to be for two weeks, but then I was informed that the prime minister had specifically requested me to stay on,” he said.
At first he hesitated, but his fate had been sealed. “I was just a junior officer. How could I take on such a role? But the prime minister (Geingob), who later became president, had already made up his mind. He said, ‘That strict, serious-looking one, Modesto, I want him.’ And from that moment, my life changed.”

Next chapter

As he transitions out of the role, Modesto expressed his gratitude. “I’m going back home a happy man. Of course, I would have loved to complete my tenure with President Geingob, but life is unpredictable. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing history and serving my country at the highest level, and now, I look forward to seeing Namibia from a different perspective.”
Modesto will be returning to the Ministry of International Relations, but remains open to future assignments.

“I still have 14 years of service before retirement. Wherever my country needs me, I will serve. That is my commitment,” he stated.

The bodyguard

While the State protocol officer ensures order and seamless coordination, the presidential bodyguard protects the Head of State at all costs.

A presidential bodyguard must be vigilant, physically fit and mentally prepared to handle any threats to the president’s safety. The job is not just about standing beside the president, it involves detailed security planning, risk assessment and split-second decision-making. “Being a presidential bodyguard is more than just carrying a weapon and wearing a suit,” Ndjaronguru, a veteran police officer, observed. He continued: “It’s about constant awareness, readiness and sometimes making personal sacrifices to ensure the president’s safety. You need to anticipate threats before they materialise, and act swiftly in moments of crisis.”

The commissioner said one of the toughest aspects of the job is the unpredictability.
“There are days when things go smoothly, and there are others you find yourself in high-pressure situations. You must be prepared to step in front of a bullet if necessary. That is the level of dedication required,” he emphasised.

Life

The day of a presidential bodyguard also starts early.
“By the time the president is awake, we have already inspected the vehicles, assessed potential threats, and coordinated with intelligence agencies. Every route, every venue and every person the president meets must be vetted,” Ndjaronguru narrated.

Furthermore, security protocols change, depending on the location and level of risk.

“If the president is travelling abroad, we coordinate with foreign security agencies to ensure seamless protection. When he is attending public events, crowd control is essential.

We are always on alert, watching for unusual behaviour and ensuring that safe evacuation plans are always in place,” he said.

Ties that bind

Additionally, a presidential bodyguard often forms a close bond with the president, built on trust and mutual respect.

This was evident when Geingob demanded that Ndjaronguru head his security detail as soon as he assumed the highest office in the land. Reports at the time suggested that senior members in the security cluster were too junior to protect the president.
But for Geingob, Ndjaronguru was his ultimate shield.

“The president must trust you with his life, and you must be willing to put your life on the line for him. It is a relationship built over time, through discipline and unwavering commitment,” he added.

Sacrifices

Ndjaronguru acknowledged that protecting the president comes at a price.
“We miss family gatherings, holidays and sometimes even the simplest joys of life because duty always comes first. But we accept this responsibility with pride, knowing we are serving our nation at the highest level,” said the veteran presidential bodyguard.
For those considering this career, he emphasised three key qualities: discipline, alertness and loyalty.
“You must be disciplined enough to train daily, alert enough to sense danger before it strikes, and loyal enough to protect the president without hesitation,” he advised.
-ljason@nepc.com.na