‘Hage was our north star’: Monica Geingos

Former First Lady Monica Geingos described her late husband, President Hage Geingob, as a ‘north star’ who has left a map with clear directions of love and unity.

Speaking at Geingob’s final memorial service held at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday, she said Geingob was dedicated to building an inclusive, united Namibia that lived up to its potential of integration of cultures and lack of tribalism – similar to how he was raised.

“He wanted to see the same unity in his blended family as well… Hage was our north star, when we looked at him we knew in which direction to go, he may no longer be with us but he did leave us with a map that has clear directions,” she expressed.

She said in mourning the late president, Namibians became everything he wanted [them] to be, united, law abiding and pulling in the same direction, expressing that in his death “he truly came alive.”

“I am a very proud Namibian today. I am proud because a boy who was born under a tree at a cattle post in Grootfontein is being recognised and loved by the world and he deserves it, because Hage loved and he was loved,” she said.

Geingos noted that Geingob, like a true leader, spent his political capital on issues that he knew were for the greater good in the long term even if it was unpopular in the short term, noting he was a destiny shaper who contributed significantly to shaping Namibia’s destiny and that of many individuals.

“My husband was an honest man, a man who spoke his mind even when it was inconvenient and uncomfortable to do so,” she noted.
Geingos spoke of how they were informed on 16 January 2024 that he had cancer after a biopsy. They went to the first oncology visit on 17 January 2024 for a treatment plan and on 18 January 2024, he insisted on releasing a press statement to the public, informing them that he had cancer.

“Did he know how long he had to live? The answer is no he did not… his passing was traumatising and unexpected. Hage’s death is a reminder to all of us to be prepared. I was not ready to lose Hage and from the massive outpouring of collective grief from all of you, it does not appear that any of us were ready,” she said.

“Oh Hage Kai Axaba, you defined love, you were loved by all of us and nothing will ever be the same without you. The people’s president, my president, my husband, my best friend, you were born a peasant and died a president, rest in power,” Geingos said while looking towards her husband’s casket.

Geingob will be buried at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek on Sunday.

(NAMPA)
LD/PS/AS
(NAMPA)