Martin Endjala
Ephraim Nekongo, Secretary General of the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), has paid tribute to the late President Hage Geingob, stating that Geingob has meticulously prepared the youth to lead and has established robust systems and institutions for their future success.
Nekongo shared these sentiments in an interview with the Windhoek Observer, reflecting on the legacy of the President who passed away on February 4 at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek.
“God’s work is beyond human understanding, and the passing of President Geingob has deeply affected us. Yet, he inspired us with courage and prepared us for leadership, emphasizing that the youth must always be ready to succeed the elders,” Nekongo said.
According to Nekongo, the youth within Swapo and across Namibia have been privileged to learn from Geingob.
His efforts to leave behind a framework for improving the lives of Namibians have earned him widespread respect.
Nekongo highlighted Geingob’s role as a mentor to many young people, even before Namibia’s independence, praising his ability to connect with both the young and the elderly.
“President Geingob was dedicated to the welfare of Namibians, setting aside part of his salary to support those from underprivileged backgrounds. He was a leader for all Namibians, regardless of political affiliation, which truly distinguished him,” Nekongo noted.
Regarding the succession of the presidency within the party, Nekongo mentioned that the nation is currently in mourning, and discussions about filling the vacant position will be addressed in due time.
“We have institutions in place to manage the transition. For now, our focus is on honouring our late President. There’s no urgency; we will discuss succession when it’s appropriate,” he said.
Nekongo also addressed concerns about potential disarray within the party, affirming his confidence in Swapo’s resilience.
“The party has weathered many challenges since independence, and we will overcome this loss as well. The Central Committee has assured us that the party will navigate this period thoughtfully and with unity,” he said.
