Windhoek: Namibians from various political, academic, and civic backgrounds convened at the University of Namibia (UNAM) in Windhoek to honour the legacy of the late President, Dr. Hage Geingob. The event took place on Monday and was organized by the Hage Geingob Presidential Centre at the Peter Nyangoro Auditorium on the Hage G Geingob Campus. It also marked the launch of the inaugural Dr. Hage G Geingob Townhall Conversation.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the event, held on 03 August, coincided with what would have been the late president's 85th birthday. The national platform seeks to institutionalise Geingob's principles of participatory governance, public dialogue, and effective statecraft. In his keynote address, former President and UNAM Chancellor Dr. Nangolo Mbumba reflected on the mixed emotions of the anniversary, stating that while 03 August traditionally evokes fond memories, it now serves as a poignant reminder of a leader whose charisma and intellect profoundly impacted both the nation and the continent.
Dr. Mbumba highlighted that Geingob's domestic policies are directly aligned with the broader objectives of the African Union Agenda 2063, in relation to the event's theme, 'The Unique Contributions of His Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob to the Governance Architecture of Africa.' He emphasized that Geingob's distinctive governance approach in Namibia will likely leave a lasting impact on Africa's governance architecture.
During the same event, veteran politician Professor Peter Katjavivi urged Namibia's founding leaders to document their historic experiences, recognizing that the liberation generation has failed to preserve its narrative. Katjavivi also outlined the objectives of the newly established Dr. Hage Geingob Presidential Centre, of which he is the chairperson, highlighting its aim to promote transformational leadership throughout Namibia and the Southern African Development Community.
Former Cabinet minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana described Geingob as a master political mentor who shaped Namibia's political class. She highlighted that constitutionalism was Geingob's unwavering principle throughout his public service. Iivula-Ithana noted Geingob's systematic installation of legal discipline, organizational accountability, and respect for statutory processes among his followers. His influence extended beyond his executive role, as he actively nurtured and trained individuals to become principled, law-abiding public servants.