- Interim President Mbumba praised the stability of the nation during this time of mourning, crediting the visionary leadership and foresight of President Geingob.
- In a significant announcement, President Mbumba revealed the appointment of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the new Vice President.
Image: NAMIBIA/X
A new dawn was set as Namibia on Sunday got its fourth President.
In a solemn and historic moment, President Nangolo Mbumba who was the former Vice President was worn in as the Head of State.
Delivering his inaugural speech, Mbumba addressed the nation with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
"I accept with humility, the noble assignment bestowed upon me, that of appointment as the President of the Republic of Namibia, in accordance with Article 29 read together with Article 34 of the Namibian Constitution," he said as he took on the weighty responsibilities of the highest office in the land.
Acknowledging the foundation laid by his predecessors, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba and the late President Hage Geingob, President Mbumba paid tribute to the legacy they left behind.
"The Legacy Continues," he said, urging the nation to observe a minute of silence in honour of the departed President Geingob.
President Mbumba praised the stability of the nation during this time of mourning, crediting the visionary leadership and foresight of President Geingob.
"Even in this time of loss, our Nation remains calm and stable. This is owing to the visionary leadership and foresight of President Geingob, who was the chief architect of the Namibian Constitution and the champion of our Governance Architecture," he affirmed.
In a significant announcement, President Mbumba revealed the appointment of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the new Vice President.
The decision according to the President was followed by careful consultations
Mbumba expressed confidence in the capabilities of Vice President Nandi-Ndaitwah to fulfil the role.
"During this difficult period of mourning, I urge all Namibians to remain united and to keep the bereaved family in our prayers," President Mbumba said, emphasizing the importance of solidarity during this transition.
As he concluded his speech, President Mbumba echoed the rallying cry, "Long Live the Republic of Namibia, Long Live," symbolizing his commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the nation under his leadership.
The nation now looks ahead to a new chapter under President Mbumba's governance, with hopes for continued stability and progress.
The swearing-in ceremony took place in Windhoek.
Mbumba was sworn in by Chief Justice Peter Shivute.
Namibia is in mourning after President Geingob died on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Lady Pohamba Hospital.
The 82-year-old leader, surrounded by his wife, Madame Monica Geingos and children, succumbed to his battle with cancer at 12:04 am.
Mbumba, delivering the sombre news, expressed deep regret, stating, "It is with utmost sadness that I inform you that our beloved Dr Hage G. Geingob has passed on. Despite the tireless efforts of his medical team, President Geingob, sadly, did not recover."
Geingob returned from the United States of America on January 31, 2024, following a two-day novel treatment for cancerous cells.
He had courageously disclosed his diagnosis to the public just a month ago.
Leaders from across the continent mourned and eulogized the late President as a visionary leader.