Remembering President Hage Geingob's Journey from Apartheid Exile to Namibia's Modernising Leader"

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Namibia is plunged into mourning as President Hage Geingob, a stalwart of the nation's independence struggle, passes away at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer. A towering figure in the fight against apartheid South Africa, Geingob spent 27 years in exile, contributing to Namibia's eventual liberation in 1989. His passing leaves a void in the nation, marking the end of an era for a leader who played a pivotal role in shaping Namibia's history.

Geingob's journey began in activism against South Africa's apartheid regime during his early schooling years. Exiled in Botswana and the United States, he became a vocal advocate for Namibia's independence, representing SWAPO at the United Nations and across the Americas. Studying in the US and earning a PhD in the UK, Geingob returned to Namibia in 1989, a poignant moment captured in his 2020 social media post where he kissed the Namibian soil, reflecting on the worthwhile journey of building a new nation.

Elected Namibia's first Prime Minister in 1990, Geingob's political career faced a setback in 2002 when he fell out of favour for not supporting Sam Nujoma's presidency-for-life ambitions. However, he staged a remarkable comeback, obtaining a PhD in 2004 and resuming political prominence. Geingob became Namibia's President in 2015, serving two terms and leaving an indelible mark on the country's trajectory.

Despite a decline in popularity reflected in election results, Geingob's presidency witnessed achievements and challenges. His governance coincided with economic challenges, high unemployment, and poverty, leading to a decline in trust among the population. The "fishrot" scandal, involving corruption in the fishing industry, marred his administration, becoming synonymous with state capture.


Geingob's legacy, however, extends beyond the political landscape. His gender-aware policies elevated Namibia's standing in promoting women's leadership, achieving one of the highest proportions of women in political offices globally. He also stood against homophobia, evident in his refusal to sign a bill seeking to invalidate a Supreme Court ruling in favour of equal treatment for same-sex spouses.

The president's last official statement in January 2024, expressing discontent over Germany's stance on Israel, showcased his strong views. Geingob aspired to be remembered as a president who promoted citizen welfare, yet economic challenges persist, leaving Namibia among the world's most unequal countries.

As Namibia mourns Geingob's passing, the nation reflects on the complexities of his legacy a moderniser who championed gender equality and human rights but faced challenges in realising his vision for a more prosperous and equitable Namibia. The transition to new leadership brings both a sense of loss and the opportunity for the nation to navigate its future path.

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