hage geingob

Namibia will invest 164 billion Namibian dollars ($12.44 billion) over the next five years on plans which include upgrading and revamping hospitals, and building water and energy infrastructure, President Hage Geingob said on Wednesday.

The investment package under a National Development Plan will be deployed on programmes and projects which also cover agriculture, technical and vocational training, and industrial development.

On this day, in 1990, our Founding Father, Comrade Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, concluded his inaugural speech with the following remark, “I move in the name of the people, to declare that Namibia is forever free, sovereign and independent.” With these words, Comrade Nujoma paved the way for Namibia to begin its journey of Independence, which has resulted in over two decades of peace.

On this day in 2006, our second President, Comrade Hifikepunye Lukas Pohamba stood before us and declared, ”a new dawn has set on our beautiful country. Once again, we stand at the delicate moment when the nation pauses, takes a look at itself and recharges its energy and renews itself for the greater challenges that lie ahead. From this day onwards, our country will continue to coast towards the future as a united, democratic and prosperous nation.” With these words, Comrade Pohamba cemented the pathof stability. On this day in 2015, your third President in the form of yours truly said, “The nature of expectations is that the more they are met, the higher the level that is demanded. And rightly so. The overwhelming mandate given to the SWAPO Government and its Presidential candidate is a clear indication of the confidence my fellow citizens have in SWAPO and in me. It is also an indication of high expectations. After 25 years, people want food, clothing and shelter. 

President Hage Geingob's parliament opening rhetoric was a masterpiece of political speechwriting. The speech which was thoughtful and reflective included numerous references to the Founding Father, Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo, Mose Tjitendero , Chris Jacobie and even the Super Sunday match between Chelsea and Manchester United.

One has to look no further than the opening lines of the speech to see the magnitude of the words that Geigob would go on to speak: "There are not many countries in the world where one can witness all former heads of state and the current President living peacefully in the same country and working together. That is how we are building a Namibian House. The trinity continues".

Much unlike his speech the past month where he would get wayward and address media issues instead of national issues, today Dr. Geingob used the opportunity to address the nation not only as its healer-in-chief but also as its leader. This could be the speech that saves Geingob from all the talk of a recall and will stop his reign derailing following incendiary remarks coming from within Swapo ranks. The speech, was premised on optimism within our political system and nationwide unity, will go down as arguably the best political speech in modern Namibian history. Harambee...