The 3rd President of Namibia, Hage Geinkob kisses the ground immediately after he disembarked from an airplane in 1989. As the country and...
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| The 3rd President of Namibia, Hage Geinkob kisses the ground immediately after he disembarked from an airplane in 1989. |
As the country and the entire African continent mourn the passing of the late President Hage Geingob, we are presented with a unique moment to reflect on and revisit a significant chapter in Namibian history—the time of national repatriation from exile.
In the quest to document Namibia's liberation history, some individuals have raised a poignant question: Why did the late President Hage Geingob kiss the ground immediately after disembarking from Zambia Airways? Indeed, it stirred curiosity and speculation, therefore inviting us to delve into the wide tapestry of our nation's past and explore the meaning behind his act that transcends mere symbolism.
While some may dismiss it as pure superstition or attribute it to practices of witchcraft or geomancy, we must tell you the truth behind this gesture that runs much deeper in a profound sense of national love, respect, and gratitude. For Geingob, it was an expression of gratitude and reverence for Namibia and its people after spending 27 years in exile, fighting tirelessly for the freedom and independence of the motherland.
The act of kissing the soil of a country it's merely a way of expressing love and respect for the country and its people.
The significance of this act should not be underestimated at all. The action speaks volumes about Geingob's character, leadership, and deep connection to Namibia as a motherland. See this epic photo, of the late Geinkob kissing the ground it is a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many in the struggle for freedom and justice.
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| President Hage Geinkob in the center and other top SWAPO leaders arrived in Namibia in 1989. |
Indeed, kissing the soil upon arrival in a new country is a tradition observed by leaders worldwide, including luminaries such as Sam Nujoma, Nelson Mandela, and Pope Francis. The Founding Father, Sam Nujoma, also participated in this tradition, kissing the ground upon his return to Namibia from exile after 29 years.
18 June 1989, 31 years ago, I embraced the soil of Namibia after 27 years in exile - Hage Geinkob.
On June 18, 1989, there was a tumultuous scene in Windhoek, people gathered at the airport, eagerly awaiting the arrival of PLAN compatriots, among them, were Hage Geinkob, Marten Nenkete Kapewasha, Bernard Kamwi, Theo-Ben Gurirab, Hidipo Hamutenya, Joel Kaapanda, Nahas Angula, and other top SWAPO leaders. The supporters were waving SWAPO flags and watching leaders disembarking from the Zambia Airways, suddenly Geinkob stepped out and slowly kneeled down to kiss the ground.
Typically, victorious kings would ceremoniously kiss the soil of the lands they conquered, which would then be presented to them in a basket as a symbolic gesture of submission. In essence, Geingob's act was not a sign of conquest or domination but rather a symbol of love, respect, and gratitude—a gesture that resonates deeply with all who witnessed it.
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| Special collection: Starring President Hage Geinkob / Dirk Heinrich. |
People who witnessed Geingob kissing the soil on that particular day were surprised, with some even shedding tears. Emotions ran high as it was a significant moment for most people to witness and welcome the family members who had spent many years outside the country.
That was "a long walk to freedom"! Now, let's harambee and build a better Namibia. The journey of nation-building is ongoing, and while significant progress has been made by our predecessors, there is still much work to be done. Together, let us strive to build an inclusive society, as President Geingob used to advocate, where every Namibian can thrive and contribute to the collective prosperity of our beloved nation.
When President Hage Geingob assumed power on 21 March 2015, he embraced the mantra of "Harambee," inspired by an African nationalist Jomo Kenyatta, as a guiding principle for uniting the nation and fostering national development. This concept of "Harambee" emphasizes collective effort and collaboration towards building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
It is articulated in detail in the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, outlining strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing the country's challenges and realizing its potential for growth and development. In the footsteps of President Hage Geingob and those who came before him, let us hold hands and march forward, united in a common good to build a better Namibia—a land of opportunity, equality, and dignity for all.