…Katjavivi urges Namibia to preserve governance lessons through action and documentation
Patience Makwele
Namibia has been urged to ensure that the legacy of former late President Hage Geingob is preserved through research, documentation and stronger institutions rather than being confined to commemorative events and tributes.
The call was made during the inaugural Dr Hage Geingob Town Hall Conversation which was held at the University of Namibia on Monday, where former leaders, academics and young professionals reflected on Geingob’s contribution to governance in Namibia and Africa.
The event, held on what would have been Geingob’s 85th birthday, was held under the theme: “The unique contributions of President Hage G. Geingob to governance in Africa: Mediating effective governance through the Namibian example.”
Chairperson of the Dr Hage Geingob Presidential Centre, former speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi, said Namibia had not done enough to document its journey from the liberation struggle to nation-building, warning that important experiences and lessons risk being lost if they are not recorded.
“We must admit, those of us who had the privilege to form part of the founding mothers and fathers of our republic… we have not done that well in documenting,” Katjavivi said.
He said the presidential centre was established to preserve Geingob’s legacy by capturing the past, documenting the present and inspiring future generations through research and knowledge sharing.
Former President Nangolo Mbumba, delivering the keynote address, said Geingob’s greatest contribution to governance was his emphasis on systems, structures and institutions.
Mbumba said Geingob’s governance philosophy was reflected in his concept of the “Namibian House”, which was built on shared identity, constitutionalism, effective institutions and solidarity.
“Governance is ultimately about building robust institutions, fostering inclusive development and strengthening public trust,” Mbumba said.
He described Geingob as part of a new generation of African leaders who prioritised democratic governance, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Mbumba said nation-building was not an event but an ongoing process requiring deliberate action from both leaders and citizens.
During the panel discussion, veteran journalist Chris Jacobie said Geingob understood the importance of engagement and believed that “everybody matters”.
“He knew the media landscape better than the media knew the landscape,” Jacobie said, describing Geingob as a leader who encouraged dialogue and two-way communication.
Former political opponent and minister of home affairs and immigration Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana said constitutionalism was the governance principle that best defined Geingob, highlighting his role as chairperson of the committee that drafted Namibia’s Constitution.
“The governance principle of Dr. Hage Geingob is constitutionalism. Things must be done within the law,” Iivula-Ithana said.
She said Geingob’s leadership during the constitutional drafting process demonstrated his ability to bring different views together, as the committee worked to merge various proposals into a national founding document.
Iivula-Ithana said Geingob’s role in the process earned him the confidence of those represented in the Constituent Assembly, allowing Namibia to adopt its Constitution within a short period.
Meanwhile, Bishop Zephania Kameeta said Geingob’s “One Namibia, One Nation” philosophy should not remain a slogan but should become a way of life.
“Our differences are not exclusive and a burden to the other but are complementary and enriching,” Kameeta said, stressing the importance of unity and solidarity.
Oxford University doctoral researcher Bertha Tobias said Geingob’s legacy should be measured by the institutions he helped build rather than personal achievements.
She said leadership often involved difficult and thankless work behind the scenes, including strengthening systems that continue functioning beyond an individual leader.
“His greatest legacy is that he built institutions that outlived him,” Tobias said, pointing to Namibia’s peaceful transfer of power following his death as an example of institutional stability.
The discussion also explored the role of the Hage Geingob Presidential Centre in preserving his ideas and creating platforms for continued policy dialogue.
Participants emphasised that future conversations should produce meaningful recommendations and contribute to strengthening governance rather than becoming symbolic gatherings.
The inaugural town hall brought together government officials, opposition leaders, academics, diplomats, civil society representatives, students and members of the media to reflect on Geingob’s contribution to Namibia’s democratic development.
Katjavivi said the responsibility now rests with future generations to build on the foundations laid by leaders such as Geingob by strengthening institutions and ensuring that governance principles translate into tangible improvements for citizens.
