I’m deeply saddened – President, Ramaphosa mourns Namibia’s Geingob

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has expressed sorrow over the demise of Namibia’s President, Hage Geingob. The 82-year-old leader passed away in the early hours of Sunday after battling cancer, as announced in a statement by Namibia’s acting president, Nangolo Mbumba.

In response to this somber news, Ramaphosa shared a lengthy post on his official X account, stating, “Today, South Africa stands in solidarity with the people of our sister state Namibia in mourning the loss of a leader, patriot, and friend of South Africa.” He conveyed condolences to the Geingob family and the Namibian people, recognizing the significant loss of an exceptional leader, especially in a year marked by upcoming elections in both Namibia and South Africa.

Expressing deep sadness, Ramaphosa reflected on the recent privilege of being hosted by President Geingob in October 2023 during a Working Visit to Namibia. He highlighted Geingob’s role as a distinguished veteran in Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid, emphasizing his influential support for the freedom of both Namibia and South Africa. The South African President expressed appreciation and sadness for the passing of a comrade in the struggle for liberation and a close partner in their shared democratic journey, concluding with wishes for President Geingob’s soul to rest in peace.