Geingob biography: A look at the man beyond his political career

The autobiography of Hage Geingob set to be released on 6 February will look beyond the man whose vision was to unite a nation.

The biography, penned by Ministry of Information and Communication Technology executive director Audrin Mathe, will hit shelves on 7 February after the launch.

Mathe told Desert FM yesterday the book will look at the late president’s political aspirations to become the first prime minister of the country.

“We decided to publish the book in his memory,” he said.

Mathe said he began writing the biography in 2020 after the initial idea was conceptualised in 2012, but was met with challenges in trying to find time with Geingob’s schedule as president.

The book entails Geingob’s life from birth until the day he was sworn into office.

“I didn’t write anything beyond the time he was sworn in. I’ve left that for the others who will be writing accounts that review his time as president.”

Mathe said the book is an exploration of Geingob’s time at the United Nations along, with Theo-Ben Gurirab and Hidipo Hamutenya as Swapo representatives.

The book also touches on Geingob scaling Swapo’s leadership ranks until he became vice president and then later president.

The book looks at Geingob’s passion in uniting Namibians, cultivating a seed planted by founding president Sam Nujoma.

Mathe said his professional and personal relationship with Geingob allowed him to learn about his habits, hobbies and the man he was, aside from head of the country.

“He was very kind and a very honest man. He didn’t allow anyone to repeat anything that was not true,” he said.

Mathe described Geingob as a family man who loved his wife, children and anyone who brought joy to his life.

Geingob was also a lover of sports and music.