Extra: Hage Geingob: The man who is preaching prosperity in Namibia

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Hage Geingob was a Namibian Politician and a former President of Namibia, President Geingob died at the age of  82 on February, 2024 from cancer.

This article was written in 2019 during the build up to Namibia Presidential election.

President Hage Geingob is contesting for the Namibian Presidency, an election he won in 2014 with 87% of the total vote cast.

As we look ahead to November 27 Presidential election, here is the review of Hage Geingob’s Presidency.

The beginning

In a Press Statement on February 2, 2015, at the Constitutional room of the Office of the Prime Minister, then President-elect, Hage Geingob declared in front of World Media that his Presidency was going to bring prosperity to the people of Namibia.

According to him, Namibia’s first President, Sam Nujoma brought peace, Namibia‘s second President Hifikepunye Pohamba brought Stability and his government was expected to bring prosperity.

His message immediately brought hope to the people of Namibia and inspired a new wave of support from even the 13% of Namibians who did not vote for him during the Presidential election.

His vision was timely; inclusive, united and prosperous Namibian with the concepts of ‘Harambee’ and a social compact where “No Namibians Should Feel Left Out” and where every Namibians live in
harmony as “One Namibia, One Nation”

The Journey

His spark at the beginning was great, he immediately inaugurated the Presidential Council with former president Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba as members, the council also had former Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers as members, and was extended to include those who had contributed to the development of Namibian politics.

War Against Poverty and Nationwide Consultation

He declared war against poverty and created the Vision 2030 plan. His message “Prosperity for all” mostly promoted by his supporters was welcomed by many Namibians. They were expecting instant changes and miracle but in response to this, Hage Geingob noted that his prosperity for all message was not to create instant millionaires but to strives towards building an inclusive Namibia, where every Namibians can have access to the basic amenities to live a decent life.

The Phase of his Presidency

According to him, 2015 was a year of planning, he kept to his words and held up to16 Town halls meeting across Namibia, met with professionals and politicians and developed what he termed Harambee Prosperity Plan in 2016.

2017 was the year of re-dedication, President Hage believed there was a need for all Namibians, politicians, professional and public servant to re-dedicate their belief and commitment to the Namibian project.

2018 was a year of reckoning and 2019 is the year of accountability where he is expected to give an account of his stewardship.

Notable achievement.

  • According to the Mo Ibrahim Index for Governance in Africa, Namibia moved from 6th position in 2016 to 4th position in 2018.
  • According to Transparency International, Namibia also moved from 6th position in 2016 to 4th position in 2018.
  • President Hage Geingob issued letters to some cabinet ministers following report of alleged corruption in 2018, though none has been convicted, the action was received a lot of commendation around the World
  • He Spearheaded and supported notable reforms to enhance public access to relevant government information.
  • His government promoted e-governance which brought government closer to the people
  • His government implemented a war against wealth and income inequalities.
  • Namibia is the 4th most competitive economy in Africa, among others

Some notable drawback

  • Major Opposition figures have accused his government of not doing enough to fight corruption
  • Namibia lost her position as the number one country with the freest press in Africa
  • The Country was plunged into an economic depression in 2018
  • The Poverty and unemployment rate is steadily on the rise, among others.

Our Expectation On 27th November

Though Panduleni Itula is the greatest threat to President Hage Geingob’s re-election bid, we expect President Hage to win with a landslide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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