Windhoek lights candles for Geingob

Hundreds of mourners on Monday night gathered for a candlelight vigil in honour of president Hage Geingob, who died in Windhoek on Sunday.

The gathering was an initiative of the City of Windhoek and was held at its premises.

The large group of mourners shared scriptures and hymns while reminiscing about Geingob.

Cries of pain and despair could be heard in the crowd.

“Too soon . . . he went too soon,” one of the mourners wept.

Many described Geingob as an exceptional leader who was dedicated to inclusivity and tailoring systems for the benefit of all Namibians.

Windhoek chief executive Moses Matyayi on Monday said he was at a loss for words, as Geingob’s death came as a shock.

“As a nation, we could all relate to him at different levels. We may all have encountered his sense of love, belonging, and community and we are downtrodden,” he said.

“We are emotionally empty and at a loss for words at the moment,” Matyayi said.

Geingob was a global icon, a diplomat, a gallant political and academic scholar and a principled leader, he said.

“He was a man who was always looking out for talent, and he was passionate about the youth. He gave them many opportunities to grow in leadership,” he said.

City of Windhoek acting strategic executive Archie Nikanor said he remembers Geingob as a revolutionary, selfless leader who was dedicated to serving his nation.

“He was a world-class statesman and a true son of the soil,” he said.

Nikanor urged the nation to remain unrelenting amid trying times.

“Let us remain hopeful for the future of our great nation,” he said.

Additionally, he highlighted that the nation should reflect on how to move on as citizens.

Nikanor conveyed his condolences, wishing former first lady Monica Geingos and the entire family strength.

Tsumeb Correctional Centre chaplain and associate pastor at Innercity Lutheran Congregation, of which Geingob was a member, Iyaloo Ndapandula Nuuyuni-Hamalwa said: “We will miss his smile, his laughter and his presence.”

A member of Windhoek Bikers Club, Sydney Boois, said Namibians need to stand together more than ever.

“We need to stand together so we can go through this grieving period,” he said.

Boois said Geingob was a unifier, and thus urged the nation to stand in unity.