Day: February 6, 2024

WINDHOEK: The Inspector General (IG) of the Namibian Police Force, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo has said there have not been any security threats since the swearing in of former Vice President Nangolo Mbumba as President of Namibia.

Mbumba was sworn in as the fourth President of Namibia, following the death of President Hage Geingob early on Sunday. International Relations Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Vice President.

Shikongo in an interview with Nampa on Monday said Namibia is not at risk of security threats as the country is known for its democratic system.

‘I don’t think any Namibian is thinking of a change of government by unconstitutional means. As inspector general I am in constant communication with my colleagues, the Chief of Defence, the Commissioner General of the Namibian Correctional Service, and the Director of the Namibia Central Intelligence Service. As of now, there’s no need for panic,’ he said.

Other countries, he said, are commending Namibia for not allowing a l
eadership vacuum, saying that in some countries people would be fighting, resulting in impairment in the security sector.

‘The beefing up of security is automatic as the current president is entitled to security, as well as the vice president. Our visiting dignitaries have nothing to worry about, we are ready to serve them and we are monitoring every situation,’ he said.

Shikongo went on to reveal that he was also appointed to serve on the preparatory committee for the funeral arrangements, chaired by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, and gave his assurance that the police are prepared to receive and protect international dignitaries travelling to Namibia for the funeral of the late Geingob.

A directive to senior executives in the police force, including regional commanders to not apply for leave until after Geingob’s funeral, has also been issued.

‘Those are the only activities put on hold, otherwise our operations are still going on. Members who are transporting food for inmates to different to
wns are still travelling, regional operations are not suspended,’ he noted.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has said Namibians have a responsibility to build the country in unity and through transparency to achieve efficiency as emphasised by the late President Hage Geingob.

Joining mourners at Geingob’s residence in Windhoek Monday night, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Geingob believed in the concept of ‘the Namibian House’. She said he left Namibians with the idea of the ‘Namibian House’, and they therefore have a responsibility to build the country, but they have to do so in unity.

Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as vice president following Geingob’s death on Sunday.

She further said the Swapo party politburo has lost a leader who guided the party in many difficult times and issues.

‘Our commitment to him is to pay homage and maintain his legacy to make sure that this party which he built up from the early stages up to the last day, remains strong and of course to guide the government in prosperity and in order in the Namibian house,’ she said.

Reminiscing about her time wit
h Geingob, Nandi-Ndaitwah said she met him in 1974 when he accommodated her along with three other young women in his apartment in the United States of America (USA). She said they enjoyed a close relationship since and Geingob remained the same person throughout.

She recalled that it was during her times with Geingob in the USA that they learned how to navigate the corridors of the United Nations and handle the international community.

‘One thing he emphasised was reading, listening and always taking notes. That was really empowering to us who were there,’ she said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also described Geingob as a strategist who believed in processes, systems and institutions functioning in order for issued to be addressed.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Namibian Football Association (NFA) has reversed its decision to postpone all Namibia Premier League (NPL) games following the death of President Hage Geingob on Sunday.

The NFA’s Marketing and Communication Manager, Cassius Moetie, in a statement said the games will take place this coming weekend as planned, while six of the eight NPL games scheduled for last weekend will also be played on Saturday and Sunday.

‘The NFA wishes to inform the public and all football lovers that it has resolved to resume the league fixtures for the weekend of 09 to 11 February 2024,’ he said.

On Saturday, Ongos FC will face Young Brazilian followed by Young African confronting Khomas Nampol FC. Blue Waters will face Eeshoke Chula Chula in a must-win game after the coastal outfit was humiliated in their backyard by Mighty Gunners FC on Saturday, resulting in a two-nil victory for the Otjiwarongo boys.

Okahandja United FC will host Mighty Gunners FC, while Life Fighters, who lost 2-1 at home to Okakarara Young Warriors on
Saturday, will welcome Rundu’s Julinho Sporting FC to Otjiwarongo.

Okakarara Young Warriors, who are determined to escape relegation, will face the clever boys from Unam FC.

The games between reigning champions African Stars FC and Tigers FC, as well as that of Civics FC and Orlando Pirates, have been called off owing to the unavailability of stadiums.

Moetie further said during the period of national mourning, tributes will be paid to the president at all Premier League games.

‘For all games, players and staff will wear black armbands to express the NFA’s condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the entire Namibian nation for the passing of the former football patron, while a minute’s silence will be observed before games to show appreciation for the late Geingob’s reign,’ Moetie said.

Geingob, Namibia’s third president, died on Sunday at the age of 82.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: Scores of Windhoek residents gathered at the Windhoek Municipality Monday night for a candlelight vigil for the late President Hage Geingob, who passed away on Sunday.

City of Windhoek Mayor, Queen Kamati in her speech called on Windhoek residents to stand united during the mourning period, to honour the late Geingob. She further described Geingob as a visionary, an internationally respected Statesman and a beacon of inspiration on the African continent.

‘As the First Citizen, he was also a resident of Windhoek for many years and a keen participant in the community activities as a dedicated worshipper at the Inner City Lutheran Church and as an avid sports enthusiast. President Geingob was a symbol of unity for our diverse population, who led with steadfast dedication in times of challenge and triumph, to create a better and more inclusive future for all Namibians,’ Kamati said.

She added that Geingob’s vision, integrity, strong democratic principles, and selfless commitment to public service set
a gold standard for leadership that will endure in the annals of Namibian history.

‘As we reflect on his legacy, let us remember his many personal sacrifices and the indelible mark he left on the liberation struggle and subsequent formation of a democratic, peaceful Namibia. Let us continue to share his story with our children, and their children, as we strive to follow in the footsteps of this departed African giant,’ Kamati said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

A moment of silence was observed at Iitanga village in the Okaku Constituency during the handover of brickmaking equipment on Tuesday as a tribute to President Hage Geingob.

Geingob passed away at a hospital in Windhoek in the early hours of Sunday.

Oshana Governor, Elia Irimari, asked for a minute of silence in honour of the late Geingob, describing him as a true son of the soil and a people’s person.

‘President Geingob’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, from his efforts in promoting social and economic development, to his commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity,’ he said.

He added that during this difficult time his office offers its support and condolences to former First Lady Monica Geingos, and the entire Geingob family, as well as to all Namibians who mourn the loss of their beloved leader.

Geingob served as Namibia’s Prime Minister from 1990 to 2002 and again from 2012 to 2015.

He also served as Minister of Trade and Industry between 2008 and 2012.

Source: The Namibia
Press Agency

GOBABIS: Former Mayor of Gobabis, Elvira Theron, has said the late President Hage Geingob is still making history even after his passing as leaders all over the world remember him.

‘What is amazing is the international community rising up all over the world to celebrate our president, a small nation like Namibia is on the map. Dr Hage is making history once again even in the time of his death as he is lifting up the beacon of Namibia,’ Theron said after signing a book of condolences at the Omaheke governor’s office here on Tuesday.

The former mayor said Geingob was a leader of note.

‘You can see the work that he did for us, there we had a very smooth transitional leadership at its best. I want to say this is the time where we must realise that the seed must be put in the ground in order for more fruit to come,’ she added.

Governor of the Omaheke Region, Pijoo Nganate said the late president is the one who elevated him when everyone rejected him. Nganate said he remembers Geingob not only as his leader, bu
t also a personal friend.

‘When he appointed me to this position he said, ‘You went down with me and I am on my feet and I want you to be on your feet again. I am appointing you to the region that has rejected you so that you can serve them, and serve them diligently.’ I can still echo those words,’ Nganate said.

The governor said he remembers Geingob not only as president but also as a friend, ‘a person with whom I sat alongside fire and had stories to tell. A person who shared so much wisdom, so much hardship himself and so many successes.’

Omaheke Regional Council chairperson Ignatius Kariseb meanwhile said he remembers a man who always preached inclusivity and unity amongst Namibians.

‘As a regional leader I am urging fellow regional leaders to commit ourselves to undertake that we will serve the region to the best of our abilities as it was expected by the late President Geingob,’ he said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency