82 year-old Dr. Nangolo Mbumba has been sworn in as the fourth President following the demise of president Dr. Hage Geingob died on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Lady Pohamba Hospital the capital Windhoek.
Geingob died at 82 weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Dr. Mbumba has been Namibia’s Vice President and has held the position since 2018.
He was sworn in on Sunday by Chief Justice Peter Shivute in Windhoek, the country’s capital.
Born on August 15, 1941, Mbumba is a member of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO). He headed several Namibian ministries: Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (1993–1996), Finance (1996–2003), Information and Broadcasting (2003–2005) Education (2005–2010) and Safety and Security (2010–2012).
While announcing the death of the late President on Sunday, Mbumba said the nation had lost its pillar and the chief architect of its constitution. Since then, condolence messages have been pouring in with heads of states and leaders of government mourning the demise of a man said to have been a strong proponent of good governance.
“Today, South Africa joins the people of our sister state Namibia in mourning the passing of a leader, patriot and friend of South Africa” South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement on Sunday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Geingob family and the people of Namibia who have lost an outstanding leader in a year in which Namibia, like South Africa, is due to hold elections.
“I am deeply saddened at this time as I reflect on the privilege I had as recently as October 2023 to be hosted by President Geingob, Madame Geingos and the Cabinet on a Working Visit to Namibia.” His statement adds.
Nigerian president Bora Tinubu wrote; “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Namibia over the passing of His Excellency, President Hage Geingob.
Tanzania’s leader Samia Suluhu described Geingob as a dear brother, a venerable Pan Africanist and a great friend of Tanzania.
“On behalf of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I send my condolences to the people of the Republic of Namibia, the Acting President, His Excellency Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, Madam First Lady, Her Excellency Monica Kalondo, family, friends and comrades in SWAPO” Samia posted on social media platform X.
