Geingob signed appointment of new Bank of Namibia board on sick bed

President Hage Geingob signed for the appointment of the new Bank of Namibia board members on his sick bed.

The bank’s governor, Johannes !Gawaxab, revealed this during a memorial service held in Windhoek on Wednesday.

“The president was sick and two weeks ago we needed to appoint board members of the Bank of Namibia. On his sick bed he realised what this nation requires … we sent that letter, we spoke and he signed the letters of appointment of the board members,” !Gawaxab said.

Meshack Tjirongo, advocate Eliaser Nekwaya and Pieter Kruger were appointed as non-executive members of the bank’s board of directors, while Ehrenfried Meroro was reappointed, effective from 1 February.

!Gawaxab said describing Geingob as a statesman falls short of capturing the enormity of his presence, as he dedicated his life to Namibia and led the country with strength, confidence and wisdom.

“Your larger than life personality was not rooted in grandiosity but in the profound authenticity with which you led. You were a manifestation of the noblest quality humanity aspires to embody,” he said of Geingob.

Also speaking at the same event, information minister Peya Mushelenga affectionately referred to Geingob as Omes and said he would be remembered for adding flavour to his speeches with jokes that generated laughter.

He also said Geingob made time for family and friends despite a demanding schedule.

Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein, also speaking at the memorial service, said he and Geingob had tough times as well as successes together.
“But what was clear every time was his stature, his will to do good that prevailed every time.”

He said he was grateful to be part of Geingob’s life which helped form him in a great way.

According to Schlettwein, as sad as the country is, Namibians should be happy that Geingob left a legacy behind.