Month: February 2024

WINDHOEK: President Nangolo Mumba has called on all Namibians to rededicate themselves to work hard and broaden the scope of inclusive economic development where no one is left out.

Mbumba in a statement to commemorate the country’s 34th Constitution Day on Friday, said the national day is taking place against the backdrop of the passing of the Late President Hage Geingob who was the Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly and the Chief Architect of Namibia’s constitution.

This living document, he said has been a guidepost for the smooth transition that Namibians witnessed on the day of his untimely passing on 04 February 2024.

‘We are reminded of the remarkable and inspiring journey we have walked under his able guidance and stewardship, as Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly, Founding Prime Minister and third President of the Republic of Namibia.

Indeed, a dark cloud is hanging over the people of the Land of the Brave who have lost a revolutionary and visionary leader who worked diligently to champi
on the fundamental rights and freedoms that are entrenched in the Namibian Constitution,’ he said.

The Head of State further noted that in celebrating Constitution Day, all Namibians should be proud of the peaceful and stable country, envied by many nations across the globe. Namibia is a vibrant democracy with a government with a strong resolve to guarantee the fundamental rights and freedoms which are the prerequisite for a peaceful, united and prosperous country.

‘I wish to remind Namibians that our work in pursuit of development and prosperity continues. As we celebrate the Constitution Day, let us all re-commit ourselves to the ideals of unity, peace and justice for all,’ the Namibian Leader concluded.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OSHAKATI: Namibia’s Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), Margaret Mensah-Williams held a memorial service on Saturday to honour the legacy of the late President Hage Geingob.

Geingob passed away at the age of 82 in Windhoek last Sunday.

‘He not only shaped Namibia, he shaped Africa,’ Mensah-Williams said during the ceremony held in Washington DC.

She told the mourners that the late Geingob made it his mission to prioritise education throughout his life although he had to leave his country of birth in pursuit of knowledge and instruction that would later help him to challenge and change the system.

The ambassador said he will always be hailed as the chief architect of the Namibian constitution and servant of the Namibian nation who devoted his life to liberating his country.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, in her remarks, stated that Geingob displayed his unwavering devotion to the people of Africa.

‘He was a true liberation hero who fought for the people of Namibia and Africa at large an
d was a leader of the people,’ Bowser said.

The embassies of the Russian Federation, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Haiti, Tanzania, Angola and The Philippines sent through their tributes to Mensah-Williams.

Zambia’s Ambassador to America, Chibamba Kanyama, stated that President Geingob provided significant leadership to help liberate the continent and help it gain economic independence.

‘That’s why the whole African continent is mourning a great leader,’ Kanyama said.

Zimbabwean Ambassador to America Tadeous Chifamba described President Geingob as a towering figure for the significant role both pre- and post-independence. As a Pan-Africanist he played a key role in the liberation of Namibia, he added.

Geingob fought apartheid in Africa and most of the ambassadors were privileged to rub shoulders with the great leader of Africa, Chifamba said.

Geingob will be laid to rest on 25 February 2024.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OSHAKATI: Some residents in the Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions, were left in dire need after heavy rainstorms ripped through their areas, and destroyed their homes on Saturday evening.

According to councillor Ferdinand Shifidi of Endola constituency on Sunday, heavy storms coupled with rain and wind affected approximately 200 houses in Onepandaulo village, in the Ohangwena region, where the roofs of most structures were ripped off. No one was harmed.

‘Those affected are now left in dire need of assistance and we are waiting for advise on the way forward from the regional governor’s office,’ he said.

Shifidi noted that his office currently has no funds to assist the affected communities, but will do a full assessment and take the matter up with the office of the governor for further intervention.

Meanwhile, Iikokola village headman I-Ben Nashandi told this news agency that the storm uprooted homes, schools and trees, a situation which left the residents in the Oshikoto region in dire need of assistance.

‘
It is currently unknown how many houses were destroyed, as a proper assessment will be conducted,’ he said and cautioned residents to refrain from touching or moving electrical infrastructures that are damaged, as they pose a danger.

He expressed solidarity with all the affected residents and called on fellow citizens to assist with the speedy reconstruction of the area, as the damages to the properties are extensive.

No injuries were recorded.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: Swapo Party Youth League Secretary General, Ephraim Nekongo said the late President Hage Geingob was one of the leaders who groomed young people who are ready to take over the country.

Shortly after paying condolences to former First Lady Monica Geingos at the couple’s residence here on Friday, Nekongo said Geingob groomed many young people ready to take over as the country moves forward.

Geingob passed away at the age of 82, on 04 February.

Nekongo emphasized that the recent appointment of former Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Technology (MICT), Emma Theofelus to Minister, honours Geingob for his role in shaping young people.

Theofelus marks the youngest minister at age 27 in the country following the appointment by President Nangolo Mbumba on Friday during a cabinet reshuffle necessitated by Geingob’s death.

Geingob appointed Theofelus as deputy minister of MICT in March 2020 as part of his second term cabinet.

‘As we move forward, definitely the grooming we have to put it
into practice because we know already what to do as the good teacher already taught us,’ he said.

The youth leader said that the late Geingob championed a constitution that lived up to the expectations of the country and its people, challenged the missing provision in the constitution and amended it to the expectations of the Namibian people.

‘Had those missing amendments not been effected we could have had a crisis in terms of transition. If you recall, many people were not happy during that period, however, we could only say thanks to the people’s President for ensuring that effectiveness,’ he noted.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has said South Africans are saddened by the passing of the late President Hage Geingob, alluding to the shared history of the two countries.

Ramaphosa was speaking in Windhoek on Saturday while paying his respects to the late Geingob’s wife, Monica Geingos, following Geingob’s death on 04 February.

Ramaphosa, the third African leader to visit the former first lady, expressed that Geingob was a friend and a dear brother to him, noting that his death is also a great loss to the African National Congress (ANC).

‘As South Africans, we struggled with the same enemy… We feel it as well, it is always difficult to lose a sitting head of state, so our hearts are saddened as well,’ he said.

He indicated that Geingob taught him how to lead through the ethical principles he adhered to in all systems, processes and institutions.

Ramaphosa further gave his assurance of stronger relationships between Namibia and South Africa, noting that the two countries will continue
to implement all decisions taken previously.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa arrived in Namibia Saturday morning to convey his condolences to former First Lady, Monica Geingos, following the passing of the late President Hage Geingob in Windhoek on 04 February.

Before proceeding to the Geingob residence, Ramaphosa paid a courtesy call on President Nangolo Mbumba at State House, where he indicated that he not only lost a friend but a brother, who he also described as his leader.

He said Geingob’s death was sudden as they had spoken just three days before his passing.

Ramaphosa further stressed that Namibia has set a good example for the rest of Africa with its handling of the transfer of power through the swearing in of Mbumba as president of Namibia and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as vice president.

Meanwhile, Mbumba on Friday announced the appointment of John Mutorwa, the Minister of Works and Transport, as the new Deputy Prime Minister. He retains
his position as Works Minister.

Former Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Peya Mushelenga was appointed as the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Mushelenga was replaced by his deputy, Emma Theofelus, who was also sworn in on Friday. Her position is filled by Swapo member Modestus Amutse.

Source: Namibia Press Agency