By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Namibia, today, Saturday, (10 February 2024), to pay his respects following the passing of President Hage Gottfried Geingob.
Geingob passed away on Sunday, 04 February 2024, while being treated in hospital for cancer.
Geingob’s office announced last month that he had begun treatment following the discovery of “cancerous cells” during a routine colonoscopy and gastroscopy.
The announcement did not provide details of the African leader’s diagnosis or prognosis but said he would continue to carry out his presidential duties.
His office later announced that he would travel to the United States for medical care and would return to Namibia on February 2.
Geingob, who also served a 12-year stint as prime minister, had a history of health problems that preceded his election as Namibia’s third president in 2014.
In 2013, the anti-apartheid activist-turned-politician underwent brain surgery, and the following year he revealed that he had survived prostate cancer.
President Nangolo Mbumba has announced that the late Geingob will be buried on the 24th of February.
Ramaphosa extends his sympathies to Mbumba, the Cabinet of our neighbouring state and the leadership and members of the SWAPO Party at this time of mourning, said presidency.
Ramaphosa and Geingob enjoyed a close relationship that infused relations between our two countries.
Last year, in 2023, Ramaphosa hosted Geingob on a State Visit to South Africa in April.
In October, Ramaphosa undertook a working visit to Namibia to co-chair with President Geingob the third session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission.
Namibia, a former German colony that gained independence from South Africa in 1990, is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in November.
Geingob was ineligible to run for reelection as Namibia’s constitution limits the president to a maximum of two terms in office.
Meanwhile on behalf of Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday attend and deliver the keynote address at the annual Ubuntu Awards at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Hosted by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, the awards recognise South African industry leaders, eminent people and ordinary South African citizens for their distinguished service and contribution to promoting South Africa’s national interests and values across the world.
The event takes place after the opening of Parliament and brings together captains of industry, civil society leaders, members of the Cabinet and eminent persons, in addition to all Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to South Africa.
Past winners have included performance artists, athletes, major South African companies and social upliftment foundations.
Winners from previous years include, among others, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Esther Mahlangu, Black Coffee, the late Hugh Masekela, Trevor Noah, Pretty Yende, Caster Semenya, Wayde van Niekerk, Gift of The Givers and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation.