Geingob legacy must go beyond remembrance

…Katjavivi urges Namibia to preserve governance lessons through action and documentation

Patience Makwele

Namibia has been urged to ensure that the legacy of former late President Hage Geingob is preserved through research, documentation and stronger institutions rather than being confined to commemorative events and tributes.

The call was made during the inaugural Dr Hage Geingob Town Hall Conversation which was held at the University of Namibia on Monday, where former leaders, academics and young professionals reflected on Geingob’s contribution to governance in Namibia and Africa.

The event, held on what would have been Geingob’s 85th birthday, was held under the theme: “The unique contributions of President Hage G. Geingob to governance in Africa: Mediating effective governance through the Namibian example.”

Chairperson of the Dr Hage Geingob Presidential Centre, former speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi, said Namibia had not done enough to document its journey from the liberation struggle to nation-building, warning that important experiences and lessons risk being lost if they are not recorded.