WINDHOEK: Windhoek residents on Friday took to the streets in numbers to pay their last respects during a funeral procession for the late President Hage Geingob.

Residents stood alongside the designated route that started at State House and ended at Geingob’s residence, Casa Rosalia.

A sombre mood prevailed throughout the procession while mourners lined the streets, some displaying posters that said ‘Rest in peace Mr President’, some waving Namibian flags and some chanting liberation songs. Many mourners could not hold their tears and could be heard saying ‘My president.’

Speaking at the start of the procession at State House, Brigadier General Simon G Matheus of the Namibian Defence Force said the procession serves as a poignant reminder of the indelible impact the late Head of State has had on Namibians.

He said it is the Namibian Defence Force’s duty to ensure that his final journey is conducted in utmost reverence and solitude.

‘This ceremonial route is not merely a procession, it is testament to the
profound impact he had on the lives of many young and senior citizens of Namibia,’ Matheus noted.

Geingob died at the age of 82 in a Windhoek hospital. His memorial service is scheduled for 24 February, to be followed by his burial on 25 February 2024 at the Heroes’ Acre on the outskirts of Windhoek.

He is survived by his survived by his wife Monica Geingos, eight children and three grandchildren, two siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has congratulated Sibusiso Ngalwa who is the current Chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum on his appointment to the Executive Committee of the Africa Editors Forum.

In a statement on Thursday, the GCIS said this appointment is particularly important as the media sector is facing a variety of challenges such as fake news and declining revenues.

The editor’s forum is an expression of the need for editors and all media practitioners on the continent to work together towards preserving journalism and promoting media freedom.

The Africa Editors Forum plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue among media professionals and addressing challenges faced by the media industry across the African continent. The department added that it recognises the significant contributions made by SANEF in upholding press freedom, ethical journalism, and media diversity in South Africa.

GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa said: ‘We believe that
the involvement of Mr Ngalwa in the Africa Editors Forum Executive Committee will undoubtedly enhance the forum’s efforts in promoting values of media freedom on a broader scale and fostering collaboration among African media organisations.

‘We also acknowledge the importance of a free and responsible press in any thriving democracy. Therefore, Mr Ngalwa’s appointment is a recognition of the SANEF professionalism and commitment to journalistic principles.’

Source: South African Government News Agency