We are enjoying our Dubai holiday with our parents – president’s daughter

The president’s daughter, Nangula Geingos, said they are enjoying Dubai with their parents, Hage Geingob and Monica Geingos, who are currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on official state business.

“We are having a wonderful time on holiday with our family. We are enjoying our father, our mother and Dubai. I encourage Namibians to do the same,” Nangula posted on Facebook this week.

She did not respond to messages sent to her WhatsApp number for further clarification.

The president and first lady left Namibia last Friday to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) until Sunday.

The first couple has been facing criticism for travelling with their four children and grandson to COP28.

The children who travelled with the couple are Kayla Elago, Nino Kalondo, Dangos Geingos, Nangula and her son.

Nangula denied enjoying any additional benefits from the government.

“Our only benefit is having parents who love and care about us in spite of their demanding schedules.

“The government business of participating in COP28 was just that! We are not part of the government, and therefore did not attend any meetings nor discussions,” she said.

Nangula further advised Namibians to reconnect with their siblings.

“… only they can truly get you, no matter how annoying they can be! Take time to count your blessings and thank God.

“Focus on ways to improve yourself and those around you as we wind down the year that was,” she said.

Nangula did not take the criticism of political analyst Joseph Diescho lightly.

“Joe Diescho continues to demonstrate just how out of touch with reality he really is. As first children in Namibia, whatever that means, we are not entitled to any state benefits – not security, transportation, medical, allowances, etc,” she said.

Diescho expressed reluctance to argue with the president’s child.

“The matter at hand is about the abuse of state resources. As a citizen, I have no beef with the security detail of the first family, which ought to be protected at all times as is standard practice worldwide,” he told The Namibian yesterday.

On Tuesday Diescho said the children of the first couple cannot travel “like that” without incurring state costs, such as for their transport and security detail wherever they go.

“That is standard, and Hengari cannot be correct with his assertion that taxpayers did not bear the costs. That is why the Obama daughters were hardly part of any presidential travel – because they are to be protected,” he said.

In a press statement this week, the presidential couple came out strongly against critics who allege that their children travel on the government’s account.

“The Namibian public and the media should rest assured that not a single cent of public funds has been spent on the children of the first couple,” the statement reads.

“For the past nine years, president Geingob and the first lady have not deviated from the treasury regulations of the government of the Republic of Namibia, which make it explicitly clear that children of the first family do not qualify for flight tickets and expenses to be paid for by the government,” it said.