At Unisa's 2024 fficial Academic Opening ceremony, His Excellency Dr Thabo Mbeki, former President of the Republic of South Africa and Unisa's Chancellor, encouraged the university to take into consideration the crucial role that His Excellency Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob, the late President of Namibia played in the education sector. 

As the nation of Namibia and the world mourns the loss of President Hage Gottfried Geingob, the memorial and funeral service held in honour of the esteemed leader drew attendees from all walks of life, including about 25 heads of states and former presidents. 

Prof Kenneth Matengu, Prof Puleng LenkaBula and Masai Mathole

President Cyril Ramaphosa represented the Republic of South Africa along with Unisa's Chancellor and former President, Dr Thabo Mbeki; Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise;  High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Namibia, Thenjiwe Mtintso; the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa, Prof Puleng LenkaBula; and many other South African dignitaries, politicians and citizens. The sombre occasion provided a platform for reflection on the legacy of President Geingob and the impact he had on the nation of Namibia, the continent and the world at large.

The memorial service was held at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek on 24 February 2024. Dlamini-Zuma led the South African delegation and delivered a condolence message in an atmosphere of unity and shared grief. The bilateral relations forged in the trenches between the two neighbouring countries, shaped by the historical challenges of apartheid, racism, segregation and other oppressive laws imposed on black African nations, have evolved into a resilient and mutually beneficial alliance. The enduring ties and collaborative culture between Namibia and South Africa have flourished into the democratic era.

President Dr Hage Geingob's memorial and funeral services were attended by diplomatic luminaries from across Africa and beyond.

Heartfelt tributes from political figures, close associates, his children and his wife, Her Excellency Madame Monica Geingos, the First Lady of Namibia, highlighted his contributions to the nation's development, commitment to democracy, and tireless efforts to promote unity. The eulogies vividly depicted President Geingob's leadership style, emphasising his commitment to social justice, education, economic development and diplomacy. The speeches resonated deeply with the attendees, thus fostering a collective sense of admiration for Geingob's dedication to public service.

As the memorial transitioned into the funeral service on 25 February 2024 at the Heroes Acre, emotions were heightened among the mourners. The flag-draped casket was a poignant reminder of the gravity of the moment and the void that President Geingob's passing has left. The solemn procession, accompanied by military honours, the K-8 fighter jets flying over the gravesite, and the firing of the 21-gun salute while the casket got down, symbolised poignantly the departure of a leader who had left an indelible mark on the nation.

Commitment to build a future that reflects Geingob's values

In the aftermath of the memorial and funeral services, to honour his legacy through academic excellence, community engagement and a commitment to building a future that reflects the values he had championed, Prof Kenneth Matengu, the President of the African Union Pan-African University Council and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia (UNAM), Prof LenkaBula and I ( Masai Mathole in the Directorate: Special Projects in the Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor) got hard at work to advance the mission of leaving no student behind in our respective universities. We found ourselves more inspired to carry forward Geingob's academic vision through a renewed and united commitment to teaching and learning, research, innovation, and engaged scholarship. We engaged in discussions about civic responsibility, leadership, and the role of the younger generation in shaping Africa's intellectual future. With pride and professionalism in the work that UNAM is doing, Matengu led us, Unisans, on a tour to the Medicine School, Faculty of Health and Veterinary Medicine, among others. 

Prof Puleng LenkaBula and Masai Mathole visit UNAM

In the wake of this significant loss, the Unisa and UNAM Vice-Chancellors and their university epistemic communities stand united, ready to contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our continent and the world at large to honour the legacy of the late President Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob inspired by his motto: "Inclusivity spells harmony, exclusivity spells conflict". Access to education is imperative for us to contribute significantly to shaping Africa's intellectual future. No one should feel left out through the agreements and work to be done by Unisa and UNAM.  

* Op-ed by Masai Mathole, Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Also read: Father of Namibian democracy remembered at moving memorial hosted by Unisa