President Nangolo Mbumba expressed gratitude to former presidents, leaders of the Swapo Party, and Namibians at large for the trust and confidence they have vested in him during his current and previous portfolios.

Dr. Mbumba acknowledged these during his acceptance speech for the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, which was conferred on him at State House.

"As a President for all Namibians, I want to thank the great people of our beloved nation, the Land of the Brave, for the trust and confidence you have vested in me during my current tenure and in my various portfolios. Words cannot express fully the depth of my gratitude and emotions; however, I thank you all wholeheartedly for bestowing upon me this great honour of The Most Ancient Order of Welwitschia Mirabilis."

The honour is in recognition of his contributions to the development of the country, including as first Secretary to Cabinet, ministerial portfolios in education, and finance, and as Vice President.

President Mbumba further praised his predecessors for laying a solid foundation in his life's journey.

"Of course, the famous legacy triumvirate consisting of the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation and Leader of the Namibian Revolution, His Excellency Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma; the second President of Namibia, His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba; and my late brother and third President of Namibia, His Excellency Hage G. Geingob, played a pivotal role in my life, both inside and outside of the political arena. I am deeply grateful to them all."

Traditionally, the conferment is performed by the outgoing President to bestow the honour on the incoming President.

However, President Mbumba did not have such a ceremony owing to the circumstances in which he assumed office, as a result of the death of Dr. Hage Geingob in February.

Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba conferred the presidential sash, the chain, and the medal on President Mbumba during the ceremony held at State House.

The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis is the highest honour in the country's honours system.