Father of Namibian democracy remembered at moving memorial hosted by Unisa

On 23 February 2024, Unisa, in collaboration with the High Commission of the Republic of Namibia to the Republic of South Africa, held a memorial service in honour of Namibia’s late President Dr Hage Geingob, who passed away at the age of 84 on 4 February. The service was attended by diplomatic luminaries from across Africa and beyond, and South African Government representatives.

Unisa has close ties with the Geingob family through Madame Monica Geingos, the First Lady of Namibia post-independence. Madame Geingos’s close relations with Unisa were illustrated recently when she hosted a delegation of the university in Windhoek, Namibia in July 2023. In addition, the university hosted her as a guest lecturer at the 4^th Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair Founders Lecture, in 2022. 

In attendance at President Geingob’s State Funeral in Namibia on 25 February 2024 were, from left, Prof Kenneth Matengu, President of the African Union’s Pan African University Council and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, His Excellency Major-General Vilio Hifindaka, Namibian Ambassador to Egypt, and the Honourable Elia Irimari, Governor of Oshana Region, Namibia

The late President Geingob was laid to rest in Namibia’s Heroes’ Acre Cemetery on Sunday, 25 February, following a state funeral in Namibia. Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Puleng LenkaBula, together with Professor Kenneth Matengu, President of the African Union’s Pan African University Council and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia, attended both the memorial and funeral services in Namibia. Also attending the funeral were prominent African statesmen, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany, Princess Anne, the sister of Britain's King Charles III, and notable diplomats, including various deans of the diplomatic corps.

President Geingob is remembered for playing a crucial role in the negotiations that led to Namibia's independence, demonstrating his diplomatic and negotiation skills. Notably, he was the first Prime Minister of Namibia after independence, laying the groundwork for the newly formed government. Amongst many of his remarkable achievements, he focused on economic development and promoted trade, aiming to improve Namibia's economic standing.

A life so well lived

In his opening address at the memorial service, Professor Solomon Magano, Unisa Vice-Principal: Institutional Development, stated that apart from being a consummate internationalist, Geingob traversed the globe as a campaigner for SWAPO (the South West Africa People’s Organisation) and the liberation of the people of Namibia. He stated that Geingob was also a notable Pan-Africanist, who understood that charity began at home, and that relations and a culture of cooperation between the two countries continues to flourish even after the democratic dispensation.

Professor Solomon Magano, Unisa Vice Principal: Institutional Development

Magano stated Geingob exemplified President Nelson Mandela’s diplomatic approach against agitators of apartheid, in that he publicly supported South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Palestinians, in turn, condemned Namibia’s former colonial ruler, Germany, for intervening on behalf of Israel. Magano continued: “Like former President Nelson Mandela, Geingob knew that we can never claim to be completely free until Palestine gains statehood.”

Praising Geingob as a true son of the soil, Magano said that the late President belonged to a generation of African freedom fighters who set the bar high.  “Just Like Mandela,” he continued, “his love for his people and nation-building, his commitment and dedication to the cause of reconciliation, and his goal to lift previously disadvantaged people out of poverty and hardship represent a noble programme aimed at the realisation of a better life for all, regardless of race, creed, gender or ideology, among others,” Magano stated.

In concluding his remarks, Magano, quoting author Albert Pine, said that Geingob’s contributions to others and the world endure and transcend mortality.

A champion of freedom for all

“Today we are gathered here with heavy hearts to bid farewell and pay tribute to a remarkable leader, President Geingob,” said His Excellency Salih Omar, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. Omar stated that Geingob was not just a leader, but a visionary, a beacon of hope for his nation, and a tireless advocate for peace.

His Excellency Salih Omar, Ambassador of Eritrea to South Africa, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps

“Throughout his life,” said Omar, “Geingob exemplified unwavering dedication to the principles of equality, justice and to the betterment of Namibians, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. He exemplified profound commitment to public service as Prime Minister and President.”

Omar explained that during Geingob’s tenure, Namibia made substantial progress in establishing a robust and resilient economy, thereby enhancing the wellbeing of numerous individuals while advancing sustainable development throughout the Southern African region.

In conclusion, Omar stated that Geingob sough to be recognised as a true leader of Namibia in terms of his significant contributions to the progress and wellbeing of the Namibia’s citizens.  

Extraordinary journey

African National Congress Executive Committee member and Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, acknowledged Geingob's invaluable wisdom and unwavering support for freedom movements, exemplified, among others, by his stance against Israel’s war with Palestine.

Cde Alvin Botes, ANC National Executive Committee member and Deputy Minister in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

Botes stated that South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, was unequivocal that the South African people were filled with appreciation and sorrow at the passing of a comrade in struggle, and a close partner in the democratic dispensation. He continued: “Ramaphosa further underpinned that President Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation struggle from colonialism and apartheid.” Botes described Geingob as a leader who was greatly influential in solidary that Namibians extended to South Africans so that both countries can be free.

A visionary and true African legend

“The announcement of the sudden passing of Geingob filled Namibia with a dark cloud,” said His Excellency Veiccoh Nghiwete, High Commissioner of Namibia, in his message. “Tributes have been pouring in from all over Africa and the world honouring a freedom fighter, a father, a brother, a husband, a visionary, a true African legend, and a distinguished servant of the people,” he stated.

His Excellency Veiccoh Nghiwete, High Commissioner of Namibia, and various members from the High Commission

Nghiwete explained that Geingob was a true architect of Namibia’s constitution, that he was a man on a great mission in liberating Namibians. “He wanted to see peace prevail on the African continent and the world. His vision was to see the realisation of the free movement of Namibians in the African continent and the world,” he added

In conclusion, Nghiwete stated that Geingob was a strong proponent of Africa’s economic integration. He expressed gratitude towards President Ramaphosa, South Africans, and attendees of the memorial, who paid tribute to Geingob.

Throughout the programme, various diplomats paid tribute to Geingob’s legacy, describing him as an extraordinary African giant who put his country first, while agitating for freedom for his people against apartheid.

The Unisa memorial service highlighted the enduring legacy of President Geingob as a key figure in Namibian history, a champion of independence, and an influential African leader.

*By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

**Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre