Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Donald Matthys
Published on 2024-02-25 11:45:37
President Hage Geingob, Namibia’s third president, passed away on 4 February and was laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre on the outskirts of Windhoek on Sunday, 25 February.
Geingob’s death came shortly after his cancer diagnosis was made public on 17 January. He is survived by his wife, Monica Geingos, eight children, two siblings, and grandchildren.
Describing her late husband, Geingos spoke of his sincerity, noting that it was this quality that endeared him to others. She remarked, “Hage connected easily to people. You were born a peasant and died a president,” during his final memorial service on Saturday.
The funeral of Geingob drew a diverse crowd, with Namibians from all walks of life in attendance, as well as representatives from 27 countries and 18 heads of state. Among the African leaders present were South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, Angolan president João Lourenço, Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi, and Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa. International guests included Britain’s princess Anne, Germany’s president Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Finland’s president Sauli Niinistö, and Qatari president Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The ceremony saw Geingob’s casket escorted by a group of pallbearers including former agriculture minister Alpheus !Naruseb, deputy prime minister John Mutorwa, former defense chief Martin Shalli, Geingob’s eldest son Mangaliso Fernandez Geingob, official opposition leader McHenry Venaani, and Swapo veteran Ben Amathila.
Heroes’ Acre, a significant landmark in Namibia, serves as the final resting place for individuals granted the status of hero. The site features nine symbolic graves, one of which now belongs to Geingob as a former head of state. The ‘Unknown Soldier’ statue at the site will watch over Geingob’s gravesite.
The funeral and burial of President Geingob brought together a wide array of individuals from both Namibia and around the world, showcasing the impact and respect he garnered during his time in office. With dignitaries and loved ones paying their respects, the event stood as a testament to his legacy and the mark he left on the nation.
For more credible journalism and in-depth reporting, consider subscribing to The Namibian for only N$85 a month. Investing in journalism is investing in democracy – subscribe now to stay informed.
Read the original article on The Namibian
