Hage Geingob – A Statesman Extraordinaire
On this date, 3 August, we commemorate Hage Geingob’s 85th birthday, his second since his death. As chairperson of Namibia’s Constituent Assembly, Geingob played a key role in the birth of our internationally lauded constitutionalism. He is, therefore, the chief architect of our Constitution, and a statesman extraordinaire. Geingob left us a legacy of unyielding […] The post Hage Geingob – A Statesman Extraordinaire appeared first on The Namibian .
On this date, 3 August, we commemorate Hage Geingob’s 85th birthday, his second since his death.
As chairperson of Namibia’s Constituent Assembly, Geingob played a key role in the birth of our internationally lauded constitutionalism.
He is, therefore, the chief architect of our Constitution, and a statesman extraordinaire.
Geingob left us a legacy of unyielding respect for the rule of law, ensuring that democratic institutions through which we exercise power are respected to the due processes of law and are followed to the letter, especially where individual rights may be affected by the state’s actions or decisions.
With this legacy of acclaimed constitutionalism in mind, it was laudable when the Presidency, on 21 May 2025, speaking through Neville Gertze, executive director in the president’s private office, highlighted its commitment to the rule of law and respect for democratic institutions, systems and processes.
It stated: “The rule of law is tested not when it is convenient but precisely when emotions are high and allegations dominate public debate. Namibia’s democracy is strengthened not when institutions are bypassed but when they are respected and allowed to function independently in accordance with the Constitution.”
