WINDHOEK: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences following the death of Namibia’s President Hage Geingob.

A statement issued by Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of Geingob.

‘On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa extends deep condolences to the Government and people of Namibia, and especially First Lady Madame Monica Geingos and the immediate and extended family,’ Magwenya said.

The Head of State died in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Windhoek early on Sunday. He returned from the United States of America on Wednesday after having undergone specialised cancer treatment.

Ramaphosa also extended his sympathies to Nangolo Mbumba, who was appointed President of the Republic of Namibia, the Cabinet, the leadership and members of the Swapo Party.

‘Today, South Africa joins the people of our sister state Namibia in mourning the passing of a leader, patriot and friend of South Afric
a. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Geingob family and the people of Namibia who have lost an outstanding leader in a year in which Namibia, like South Africa, is due to hold elections,’ President Ramaphosa said.

He further stated that he is deeply saddened at this time ‘as I reflect on the privilege I had as recently as October 2023 to be hosted by President Geingob, Madame Geingos and the Cabinet on a working visit to Namibia.’

During the visit, Ramaphosa said, they committed the two countries to even closer partnership, inspired in great measure by Geingob’s passionate conviction about the countries’ shared future as nations and greater opportunities and prosperity for citizens on both sides of the Orange River.

‘President Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today. We are therefore filled with appreciation and
sadness at the passing of a comrade in struggle and a close partner in our democratic dispensation. May his soul rest in peace,’ Ramaphosa said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency