‘Namibia boring without Omes’

…nation reflects on a year without Geingob

Minister of justice Yvonne Dausab is one of many Namibians who remembers the late president Hage Geingob’s contagious laughter – especially today.

“He laughed easily if something was funny. I remember him at the Gaob Festival, not recognising me in the Damara dress, and him practically laughing at me,” she told The Namibian yesterday on the eve of the country remembering the late president one year after his death.

Geingob, affectionately known as ‘Omes’ by some, and ‘Hage-Loulou’ by others, died on 4 February last year after a short battle with cancer.

Like many who knew him, Dausab says she misses Geingob’s “strong, somewhat intimidating voice”.

She said they were “dance buddies”.

“He loved dancing and was actually quite shocked that I could move my feet and body with ease,” she said.

President Nangolo Mbumba yesterday reflected on Namibia’s journey since Geingob’s death created the sudden absence of a leader who was present “in every aspect of Namibian life”.

“President Geingob was present at a sport field, watching soccer or rugby, at a music show, celebrating the arts, at a beauty pageant and at every other event that sought to advance the beauty, welfare and unity of the Namibian people,” he said.

The president was hopeful and confident that Geingob’s message of unity, cohesion and inclusivity would be emulated by many Namibians.

“I am also hopeful and confident that this occasion of remembrance is the first brick which will ensure that current and future generations will continue to celebrate and honour the inspiring legacy of a nation builder,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme notes that Geingob’s legacy is more alive than ever in the hearts and minds of those “who dare to dream of a cleaner, more prosperous Namibia”.

The programme’s spokesperson, Jona Musheko, says Geingob’s commitment to green hydrogen and green industrialisation has set in motion a transformation that promises not only environmental sustainability, but also robust economic growth through job creation and the expansion of the secondary sector.

“For the youth of Namibia, his legacy is an invitation to build a future where courage and innovation meets resolute patriotism, where environmental responsibility is coupled with economic opportunity, and where every step towards green industrialisation is a step towards a better tomorrow,” he says.

‘THE PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT’

Patrons of the popular Katutura’s Bix Car Wash in Windhoek’s Katutura area remember Geingob as a caring person and say Namibia would be boring without him.

In a video dated 16 October 2023, Geingob can be seen rubbing shoulders and taking selfies with the patrons, while his bodyguards wait at a distance.

The owner of the car wash, Bix Kambala, remembers Geingob as a people’s person who propelled the bar into international stardom.

“It’s an honour to have a bar associated with the president, where tourists fly from all over the world just to see the bar the president visited,” he says.

Kambala says Bix Car Wash has named the area where Geingob sat ‘President’s Corner’ and plans to add framed photos he took with patrons in his honour.

Hope Hosea says the late president’s entertaining and humorous character made him more likeable.

He says he misses Geingob’s visit to their ‘Sunday Session’.

“When he came to Bix, us Katutura people rushed to meet Hage-Loulou, and he gave everyone N$200,” he says.

Boyboy Nashitope recounts a moment during Geingob’s visit when he tried to get closer to the president, but was stopped by his bodyguards.

“I wanted to greet him, but then the bodyguards said I should stand far, but he said he was just a person, it doesn’t mean because he was the president he was a VIP, and then he greeted me,” he says.

Tuhafeni Nuilepo remembers Geingob’s sense of humour in parliament.

“The country has become boring, he was a joke person, even in parliament he was very entertaining.”

She says Geingob was an active person who was involved in football and music – a people’s president.

Cecily Munvangua says Geingob’s love of sport and his charismatic energy has left a void in the hearts of Namibians.

“He was the heart of Namibia. We love the way he danced and laughed. How can we fill the void and the emptiness he has left?” she asks.

A FATHER’S PRESENCE

The late president’s eldest daughter, Nangula Geingos, says her father’s presence and legacy is still felt.

“One year has passed, yet our hearts still ache as if it were just yesterday. The Geingob family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every member of the Namibian community and beyond who has reached out to us during this difficult time,” she says.

Geingos says the Geingob family appreciates Namibians’ messages of comfort.

Minister of finance and public enterprises Iipumbu Shiimi yesterday described the late president as a great nationalist, who believed in ‘One Namibia, One Nation’.

“He also knew how to spot and nurture talent, meaning competent people,” he said.

Minister of defence and veterans affairs Frans Kapofi yesterday said the year without Geingob has been difficult.

“It has been difficult to have lost him . . . To keep it moving. You have to go, you have to get going, because life is about . . . you lose, you gain,” he said.

The minister reflected on Geingob’s empathy.

“He was the embodiment of many things, and we lost him, and we have to accept he has gone. So have others, but one has to soldier on, one has to go on,” Kapofi said.

Deputy minister of sport, youth and national service Emma Kantema-Gaomas yesterday said the late head of state played a role in shaping and crafting the programmes and development in the sport sphere.

“And as a sport community, he remains our people’s president, and we shall forever miss him,” she said.

REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

Meanwhile, the Office of the President is hosting a ceremony at Heroes’ Acre today, where Namibians can honour Geingob.

Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari has confirmed that ceremonies will be held at Heroes’ Acre and State House, as well as a public remembrance ceremony.

“The public is invited to pay homage to the memory of president Hage Geingob at Heroes’ Acre. Gates will remain open for the public from 12h00 to 16h00,” he said.

President Mbumba and president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will lay wreaths at Heroes’ Acre.