South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa mourns late Namibian president, recalls good moments spent together

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has sympathised with the people and government of Namibia following the death of president Hage Geingob.

The late Namibian leader passed away in the early hours of Sunday after struggling with cancer.

In his message to the people and government of Namibia, president Ramaphosa expressed sadness over the losses of his counterpart who he described as an outstanding leader.

Ramaphosa recalled how he was elegantly hosted in October 2023 by President Geingob, Madame Geingos and the Cabinet on a Working Visit to Namibia.

He said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Geingob family and the people of Namibia who have lost an outstanding leader in a year in which Namibia, like South Africa, is due to hold elections.

“I am deeply saddened at this time as I reflect on the privilege I had as recently as October 2023 to be hosted by President Geingob, Madame Geingos and the Cabinet on a Working Visit to Namibia.

“During the visit, we committed our two countries to even closer partnership, inspired in great measure by President Geingob’s passionate conviction about our shared future as nations and greater opportunities and prosperity for citizens on both sides of the Orange River.

“President Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today.

“We are therefore filled with appreciation and sadness at the passing of a comrade in struggle and a close partner in our democratic dispensation.

“May his soul rest in peace.”