The Rehoboth Town Council on Sunday commissioned Hage Geingob Drive, renaming the former D1210 Street in honour of the former president Geingob.
The ceremony coincided with what would have been Geingob’s 84th birthday on Monday and brought together national leaders, community representatives and members of the Geingob family.
Rehoboth mayor Justin Coetzee said the act represented more than a change of signage.
“We are not merely unveiling a street name, we are unveiling a legacy. We are not gathered here as individuals from different places and titles, but as a united people who have come to honour a man whose name will echo through the corridors of time,” he said.
He added that the renaming was a public statement of the town’s commitment to values associated with Geingob.
The motion to rename the street was introduced by councillor Jacky Khariseb and forms part of a wider initiative to recognise leaders at both national and community level.
A second motion will see Church Street renamed Kaptein Hans Diergaardt Street, in tribute to the late Rehoboth Baster leader.
Former speaker of the national assembly Peter Katjavivi spoke about Geingob’s role during Namibia’s transition to independence.
“He provided enlightened leadership. As chairperson of the constitution drafting committee, Dr Geingob led the way for a democratic, peaceful and independent Namibia,” he said.
Former first lady Monica Geingos during her keynote address recalled Geingob’s background and focus on education.
“Before politics, Hage was a teacher at Tsumeb. As a son of a farmworker and a domestic worker, he understood that education was the only escape from hardship. He believed education is the greatest equaliser,” she said.
She said Geingob remained committed to learning throughout his life.
“If someone questioned the value of education, he’d laugh and say, ‘You can’t cheat education.’ And if he found your opinion ill-informed, he’d look you in the eye and say, ‘My dear, reading is important’.”
The programme included a tree-planting ceremony in memory of both Geingob and former president Sam Nujoma.
