The national memorial service honouring president Hage Geingob commenced at Independence Stadium on Saturday, drawing numerous Namibians, global leaders and dignitaries.
Geingob’s remains arrived at noon for a final memorial service before his body will be laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre on Sunday.
In attendance at the service were president Nangolo Mbumba, Geingob’s children, his widow, Monica Geingos, as well as founding president Sam Nujoma and former president Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Among the international dignitaries attending the memorial service on Saturday were Germany’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Qatar’s sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani, Zimbabwe’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Angola’s president, João Lourenço, former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete, African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Zambia’s first lady, Mutinta Hichilema, and Lesotho’s prime minister, Sam Matekane.
Bishop Zephania Kameeta of the Evangelical Lutheran Church delivered a speech, praising Geingob’s dedication to justice, peace and unity.
“He fought the good fight of faith for Namibia. But not only for Namibia, as we can see, but for justice, peace and unity for the world,” the bishop said, referring to the number of world leaders at the memorial service.
“We are walking with our heads up on what he was preparing. He made sure the past is not carried into the present, especially oppression, division, apartheid and tribalism,” Kameeta said.
He said Geingob finished his race filled with “thorns and fire” as he was running for justice and peace.
“He didn’t quit. He never quit. He did not waiver,” he said.
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