Minister of defence and veterans affairs Frans Kapofi has described how he and president Hage Geingob watched football together in his last days, noting the person he encountered was “not the comrade Geingob I had gotten to know”.
“In his last days, I had the privilege to visit him, and we spent about two hours discussing all sorts of things while watching his favourite sport, football. When I left, I was a bit shaken, because this was not the comrade Geingob I had gotten to know,” the minister said at a memorial service for Geingob in Windhoek on Tuesday.
Kapofi said it was distressing to see Geingob go through so much agony.
Over the years he had gotten used to Geingob’s imposing personality and jovial nature, he said.
He said he and Geingob shared a common journey politically and professionally, which lasted 44 years.
Kapofi said Geingob’s mentorship has shaped his life as a leader.
Describing Geingob as an inspirational figure, Kapofi praised his ability to nurture talent and bring out the best in people, emphasising teamwork in overcoming challenges.
Kapofi expressed gratitude for the opportunities Geingob entrusted him with.
He described the late president as a selfless leader who positively impacted many lives without discrimination.
Recalling their enduring relationship, the minister recounted Geingob’s words of encouragement to “go and make something out of nothing”.
“I do not only honour president Geingob as a leader, but also a mentor and friend, whose influence will forever be remembered and cherished,” he said.
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