Lubango - Deputies from the Huíla Electoral Ward paid tribute Saturday, in this city, to the president of the Republic of Namibia, Hage Geingob, who passed away two weeks ago, a victim of illness.
In a message written in the book of condolences opened at the Honorary Consulate of Namibia, in Lubango, the coordinator of deputies, José Miúdo Ndambuca, stated that Hage Geingob is not only a son of Namibia, but of Africa and the world.
He deemed the late president a “hero of the 20th century” who fought tirelessly for the freedom of southwest Africa, which is today the Republic of Namibia, hence the elected representatives residing in Huíla could not be left out of such an event. “We can also consider him as a son of the country, as it was from Angola that they led the armed struggle for the liberation and self-determination and independence of Namibia. His actions have always touched our thoughts and our actions,” he stressed.
The deputy of the UNITA parliamentary group, Augusto Samuel, said that he was a person who was truly “a friend of Africa”, a patriot, a leader, and a friend of his people, so it remains to pay due tribute.
“He should be remembered as a Democrat. Africa loses a leader who could contribute and influence other countries that need to reach the heights of Namibian democracy, he is an example,” he considered.
Augusto Samuel highlighted that Namibia, being a close country and having good relations with Angola, provides a connection between the two, as many Angolans seek goods and services in that Republic that they cannot find nationally and travel is open without the need for visas, which is beneficial.
In turn, the secretary of the Honorary Consulate of Namibia, in Lubango, Artur Cativa, considered it a gesture of solidarity from the deputies, given that Angola contributed to Namibia's independence, so ties are strong and local institutions and society civil society could not fail to provide this solidarity.
In addition to the deputies, the official stated that they are receiving individual people, with emphasis on Angolans who studied in Namibia, some resident Namibians, in a condolence ceremony that opened on the 10th and ends on the 24th of the current month.
The President of Namibia, Hage Geingob, passed away at the age of 82, in a hospital in Windhoek, where he was receiving medical treatment.
The Honorary Consulate of Namibia, in Lubango, was opened in March 2012.
EM/MS/TED/jmc
