Patience Makwele
The Hage Geingob Presidential Centre will launch the inaugural Hage Geingob Town Hall Conversation on Monday, creating what organisers hope will become an annual platform for dialogue between leaders, young people, academics and citizens on issues shaping Namibia’s future.
The event, which coincides with what would have been the late former President Hage Geingob’s 85th birthday, seeks to preserve his legacy of consultation, inclusive governance and citizen participation through open public engagement.
Speaking ahead of the event, the centre’s executive director, George Simataa, said the initiative builds on Geingob’s long-standing belief that meaningful development begins by listening to citizens.
“As you know, President Geingob was the first to establish town hall conversations. He travelled across all 14 regions to hear directly from the people and understand their needs. We want to ensure that this legacy continues through an annual platform that promotes dialogue, transparency and ethical leadership,” Simataa said.
He said discussions will focus on themes that defined Geingob’s leadership, including good governance, accountability, constitutionalism, Pan-Africanism and nation-building.
“We want him to be remembered as a leader who listened, who consulted and who believed that no Namibian should feel left out,” he added.
Political analyst and commentator Joubert Harushando welcomed the initiative, saying Namibia needs more spaces where leaders and citizens can engage honestly on national issues.
“The initiative is timely because Namibia needs more platforms where leaders and citizens can engage honestly on the country’s challenges. The former president, Dr Geingob believed in consultation, so institutionalising a town hall in his honour is a fitting tribute,” Harushando said.
He, however, cautioned that the platform’s success should not be measured by attendance or speeches alone.
“The real test will not be attendance or speeches but whether the discussions influence public policy and decision-making,” he said.
Harushando noted that many young people have become accustomed to participating in dialogues that produce few tangible outcomes.
“If this platform is to honour Dr Geingob’s legacy, it must avoid becoming symbolic. There should be clear recommendations, follow-up mechanisms and public accountability so participants can see that their contributions matter,” he said.
He added that the inclusion of academics, civil society, business leaders and young people creates an opportunity for meaningful policy dialogue, provided organisers remain open to diverse viewpoints and commit to consistency.
Swapo youth member Samuel Prins Kambazembi, who plans to attend the event, said young people are eager for platforms where their voices can influence national discussions.
“I’m looking forward to attending because I think as young people, we need more spaces where we can engage directly with leaders instead of only being spoken to,” he said.
Kambazembi said he hopes discussions will move beyond speeches to address issues affecting young people, including unemployment, entrepreneurship, education and access to opportunities.
“If our views are listened to and reflected in policies then this initiative could become a valuable platform for youth participation,” he said.
Former President Nangolo Mbumba is expected to deliver the keynote address, while panel discussions will reflect on Geingob’s leadership philosophy and its relevance to Namibia’s future.
Organisers say they hope the town hall will evolve into a permanent national platform that encourages dialogue and citizen participation in public policy.
