SWAKOPMUND: Chief Regional Officer of the Erongo Regional Council (ERC), Mupenzi Ntelamo, has labeled the late President Hage Geingob as a father figure on whom the Namibian nation relied for political guidance.

Ntelamo, in an interview with Nampa on Monday, said the country relied on Geingob’s leadership, particularly with regards to international trade, the mining and fishing industries and green hydrogen, which are all efforts seen over the last 10 years of his presidency.

‘It is actually a very great loss for the country and particularly the Erongo Region, which has been quite privileged to receive frequent visits from him, especially last year. It really encouraged us to forge ahead in the development that he pushed till his last day,’ Ntelamo noted, adding that they will continue to honour his legacy.

Director of Education in the Erongo Region, Erenfriede Stephanus, described Geingob as a man of peace who wanted to unite all Namibians regardless of race, tribe or cultural differences.

‘Let us theref
ore put aside all our differences and unite in honour of our late president,’ she said.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the ERC Management Committee, Benitha Imbamba, implored all residents of the Erongo Region to respect and show compassion to each other and to the family of the late president.

Imbamba, during the special address to the ERC and delegated functions staff on the death of President Geingob at Swakopmund on Monday, added that the regional council has made an effort to ensure that the residents have an opportunity to sign the book of condolences.

‘I would like to call upon all of us to express our love and sympathy for departed leader, through

signing the book of condolences, which will be located at the main reception of the Erongo Regional Council,’ she noted.

Geingob died at a Windhoek hospital in the early hours of Sunday.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency