Stefanus Nashama
As the Namibian nation continues mourning the passing of its former President Hage Geingob, Jan Van Wyk, the Leader of the United People’s Movement (UPM), has also joined the nation in the same spirit, describing the late Geingob, as a stalwart politician who shaped Namibian politics.
“President Geingob will be remembered as a stalwart politician and someone who helped shape Namibian politics as it is today,” he said.
Van Wyk said that as the nation stands united in profound sorrow. The UPM also remembered his remarkable life and enduring contributions to the Namibian Nation.
He recognised that death always seems to have such a profound finality and the realisation of the permanent separation from a loved one is such a difficult burden to bear.
“Today, we as a nation mourn but we will also celebrate the life of the late Geingob, despite our political differences,” he mentioned.
Van Wyk acknowledged that while the late Geingob had played a significant role in the upliftment of the Namibian nation, it is important to value his contributions towards peace and stability.
“His role is to pave the way for our democracy and bring us into debate, and criticism, but all this has been in the spirit of unity and freedom,” he reiterated.
Van Wyk further sympathised with former First Lady Monica Geingos and both affected families, citing consolation in prayers.
“The word of the Lord says that they who mourn are blessed because the very ‘Spirit of the Living God’ shall comfort them,” consoled.
While sending his condolences, Van Wyk, at the same time, urged the Namibian nation, despite political differences to refrain from making insensitive comments or remarks about the late Geingob during his time as sitting President.
“Although we may not agree ideologically, we respect the office he held in the land,” he reiterated, adding that the nation should exude the maturity and strength that it has come to grow in through all its common struggles.
“We are a spiritual people that must lead by example and we must continue to do so even when tragedy strikes,” he said.
Van Wyk added the nation mourns in pain, due to the loss of its great leader “All will be overcome with the help of the Lord”.
May the God of heaven be with his family, the Namibian Nation, and his soul rest in eternal peace, he comforted.
