Two giants, each in his own time and in his own way, left an indelible mark on Namibia's history.
These are the words of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the remembrance ceremony honouring the lives and legacies of the late Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, and Third President, Dr Hage Geingob.
This month marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Namibia's Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, and the second anniversary of the passing of the Third President, Dr Hage Geingob.
The ceremony takes place in February, a month now etched in national memory for the loss of two of Namibia's most revered leaders.
The candlelight moments were complemented by speeches highlighting the enduring values and visions left behind by the nation's founding figures.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on the enduring legacy of the late leaders.
"February has indeed gone down in our national history as a month of reflection, a month in which we remember two renewed leaders who each in his own time and in his own way contributed immensely to the struggle for Namibian independence and the reconstruction and nation-building efforts that began on Independence Day, 21st March 1990. These two giants started the journey together to build our nation, one as the founding president and the other as the founding prime minister."
Attended by top government officials, family members, and locals, the ceremony offered moments of reflection on the remarkable contributions of both leaders.
Pendukeni Iivula-Iithana is the Deputy Chair of the Sam Nujoma Foundation who at thr event said, "The name Sam Nujoma remains a beacon of hope for our nation.Though no longer physically among us,the name endures as our horses offering inspiration,optimism, and a clear path through hardship, darkness, and challenges. That name remains our guiding light, ushering in opportunities,shaping solutions to our national challenges, and saving as a source of unwavering encouragement."
Professor Peter Katjavivi as Chair of the Dr. Hage Geingob Presidential Centre added, " A firm on ensuring that the citizens of our country put aside their personal differences and unite to build a reconciled and prosperous nation, Dr. Hage Geingob emphasized inclusivity and the need to strengthen our systems, structures and processes so that we can have a truly functional democracy. Both of them were instrumental in the creation and the implementation of Namibia's Vision 2030."
The event concluded with dignitaries laying wreaths in honour of the late Presidents, paying their final respects and commemorating the legacies of Dr. Sam Nujoma and Dr. Hage Geingob.