President Nangolo Mbumba and National Assembly Speaker Peter Katjavivi have opened up to speak about their best friend, the late Dr. Hage Geingob.

In an exclusive interview, the duo, who were both born in 1941, the same year as the late Dr. Geingob, paid a moving tribute to the late President, also recalling their last moments with him.

To say they were best friends with the late President Geingob is an understatement. 

President Mbumba first met Hage—as they would call him—in 1967 in New York and thereafter struck up a deep bond, which was further cemented in the trenches as both fought for the liberation of Namibia. 

In hindsight, President Mbumba said the events preceding President Geingob's departure to the United States of America on January 26 for treatment by a team of medical specialists were an omen for what was to follow, leading to the death of President Geingob four minutes past midnight on Sunday, February 4.

Both Dr. Mbumba and Professor Katjavivi were with Dr. Geingob during his last moments.

It was heartbreaking—a trio they were, but now only two remain.

Life has to go on, though, and for President Mbumba, Namibia is in a period of deep mourning, calling on all Namibians to continue to unite in grief.

Professor Katjavivi recalled the time when his wife, Jane, died in his presence while on a flight from the United Kingdom to Namibia on August 9, 2022. 

He was devastated and reached out to his friend Hage.

Pointing out that Namibians must stand by the side of the widow, Madame Monica Geingos, and the rest of the family, President Mbumba also reminded Namibians that a host of foreign leaders will be in the country to mourn with the nation.