KEETMANSHOOP: About 1 000 inhabitants of the ||Kharas Region on Wednesday gathered at the J Stephanus Stadium in Keetmanshoop for the regional memorial service for the late President Hage Geingob.

The event was amongst others attended by community members, regional and local authority councillors, civil organisation leaders, political party leaders, church leaders, government officials, and members of the private sector.

Speaking during the service, ||Kharas Governor Aletha Frederick said she met the late president in person in 2017 during his presidential campaign at Keetmanshoop. As Swapo regional information and mobilisation officer, Frederick was entrusted with briefing the late Geingob about the planned programme.

‘Little did I know that this encounter would alter the course of my life forever. In April 2020 a message was conveyed that the president himself wished to speak with me. As his voice resonated on the other end of the line, a mix of emotions surged within me, fear, excitement, disbelief. The
gravity of the moment was intense as he revealed his decision that I had been appointed as the governor of ||Kharas Region,’ said Frederick.

She said the late president was a leader of extraordinary calibre and he recognised the worth of young, talented and experienced people in the spirit of inclusivity and worked to utilise their talents.

‘We are paying tribute to Namibia’s national unifier, whose life’s work was devoted to actively promoting national cohesion and solidarity among its people which perfectly reflect his commitment to inclusivity and unity. His legacy as a unifier will forever be remembered and cherished by the Namibian people and his impact will be felt for generations to come,’ the governor said.

Frederick said the late president worked tirelessly to lay the foundation for a prosperous Namibia, where every citizen could feel the benefits of progress and development, adding that his dedication and vision have set in motion a path towards a brighter future for all in the Namibian House.

‘
While the president may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on as an exemplar of exceptional leadership. His leadership locally was characterised by a commitment to unity, transcending tribalism, racism, and regionalism,’ she said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency