President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the late Namibian President Hage Geingob as a leader committed to his people.
Geingob passed away earlier in February while being treated for cancer.
Over the weekend, Ramaphosa joined the Geingob family and other heads of state at Geingob’s funeral service held in Namibia.
“I will forever remember, very fondly, his brotherly love. I remain inspired by the dedication he demonstrated towards his work, his undoubted commitment to the wellbeing of his people, and his desire to see a peaceful, united, and developing continent,” Ramaphosa said.
“His support and guidance to me and to fellow heads of state and government within SADC [South African Development Community] remain invaluable to this day and in the future.”
According to a statement by the Presidency, Ramaphosa and Geingob “enjoyed a close relationship”.
Condolences to people of Namibia
“President Ramaphosa reiterates, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, his deep condolences to the government and people of Namibia, especially first lady Madame Monica Geingos,” said the Presidency.
“President Ramaphosa further extends his sympathies to President Nangolo Mbumba, the cabinet of our neighbouring state, and the leadership and members of the Swapo [South West Africa People’s Organisation] Party at this time of mourning.
“President Ramaphosa and President Geingob enjoyed a close relationship, which infused relations between our two countries.
“In 2023, President Ramaphosa hosted President Geingob on a state visit to South Africa in April, while in October, President Ramaphosa undertook a working visit to Namibia to co-chair with President Geingob the third session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission.”
SADC mission in the DRC
While in Namibia, Ramaphosa held a meeting with his counterparts from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Malawi.
“The meeting continues an engagement between the heads of state that took place in Addis Ababa on the margins of the recently held AU [African Union] Summit,” said the Presidency.
“The leaders, whose countries have contributed troops to the SADC mission in the DRC, discussed efforts towards the restoration of peace and security in the eastern DRC.” – SAnews.gov.za
