President Nangolo Mbumba has underscored the significance of documenting the lives of political leaders, describing their stories as integral to Namibia’s history. He made these remarks during the launch of the authorized autobiography of the late President Hage Geingob, titled Whispers of Freedom: The Political Odyssey of Hage G. Geingob, penned by Dr. Audrin Mathe.
The book, a detailed account of Dr. Geingob’s life, delves into his political journey, personal character, and vision, set against the backdrop of Namibia’s liberation struggle and post-independence nation-building efforts. President Mbumba, who has read the autobiography, shared that it evoked vivid memories of his own interactions with the late leader.
Praising Dr. Mathe for his work, President Mbumba highlighted the complexity of capturing Dr. Geingob’s multifaceted life. “This is not just the story of one person but the story of all Namibians and their quest for freedom, independence, and self-governance,” he said. The book sheds light on Dr. Geingob’s kindness, generosity, and selflessness, as well as his unwavering commitment to his people and his significant contributions to Namibia’s nationhood. It also offers insights into his decision-making style, discipline, composure under pressure, and sense of humour.
However, President Mbumba acknowledged that Dr. Geingob’s impact on individuals will be remembered differently, as his influence was deeply personal and subjective. “He was an extraordinary personage,” Mbumba remarked, noting Dr. Geingob’s commanding presence and charismatic leadership. “When you were in his presence, you knew you were with a special, powerful, and highly intelligent personality.”
The President also addressed the challenges of encapsulating such a rich and complex life in a single volume. “It is difficult to capture Dr. Geingob’s entire journey in 132 pages. Some may feel their own engagements with him were not included, but that would be an impossible task for any author,” he added.
The Speaker of the National Assembly echoed the importance of documenting personal experiences, emphasizing how such works contribute to the nation’s historical record.
Dr. Mathe, the author, revealed that the book’s compilation began in 2020, though discussions about the project spanned over a decade. He shared that the late President insisted the book reflect his own account, ensuring it captured not only his political achievements but also his personal encounters and reflections.