By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences on Sunday to the Namibian government and its people following the death of President Hage Gottfried Geingob.
Ramaphosa said he was saddened by the death of Geingob and this was a blow to the people of Namibia and the continent of Africa.
The governmet of Namibia earlier announced that Geingob was admitted to hospital for a cancer treatment.
Early on Sunday it said he had died and doctors had done their best to save his life.
Ramaphosa said this was a loss for the nation and the continent.
He joined Geingob a few months ago in Windhoek where they discussed a number of issues affecting the two neighbours.
But they committed themselves to improve their relations.
“I am deeply saddened at this time as I reflect on the privilege I had as recently as October 2023 to be hosted by president Geingob, madame Geingos and the Cabinet on a working visit to Namibia.
“During my visit we committed our two countries to even closer partnership, inspired in great measure by Geingob’s passionate conviction about our shared future as nations and greater opportunities and prosperity for citizens on both sides of the Orange River.
“Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today,” said Ramaphosa.
Kenyan President William Ruto also extended his deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and the people of Namibia following Geingob’s death.
“President Geingob was a distinguished leader who served the people of Namibia with focus and dedication. He was a believer of a unified Africa and strongly promoted the continent’s voice and visibility at the global arena. May God give the people of Namibia strength and courage during this difficult period,” he posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The DA leader John Steenhuisen said Geingob’s contribution to Namibia, South Africa, and the Southern African Development Community had been instrumental in fostering closer regional diplomatic ties and trade.
“As Namibia’s longest serving prime minister, and third president, Geingob was instrumental in the growth and development of the Republic of Namibia since its independence in 1990. He also leaves an immense legacy as a freedom fighter and anti-apartheid activist who dedicated his life to the liberation of the Southern African people, often from exile in Botswana and the United States of America,” said Steenhuisen.