Nangolo Mbumba has taken his oath of office as Namibia’s new president hours after the death of Hage Geingob.
Recall that Geingob died on Sunday in a hospital in Windhoek, Nambia’s capital. He was 82. During his acceptance speech, Mbumba paid tribute to his late predecessor and called for calm.
“I take on this heavy mantle, cognisant of the weight of this responsibility, to serve all the People of the Republic of Namibia with utmost dedication and commitment, in the service of all citizens of the Namibian House,” Mbumba said in his acceptance speech.
The 82-year-old president pledged to continue building on the excellent foundation established by his predecessors.
Mbumba also announced the appointment of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the former deputy prime minister, as vice president.
“I am not going to be around for the elections so don’t panic,” he said at his swearing-in ceremony.
He praised his predecessor for the calm and stability the country enjoys.
His full speech reads, “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.
“I take on this heavy mantle, cognisant of the weight of this responsibility, to serve all the people of the Republic of Namibia with utmost dedication and commitment, in the service of all citizens of the Namibian House.
“I undertake to continue building on the excellent foundation established by the Founding Father, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, the Former President, Dr.Hifikepunye Pohamba, and our beloved President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob – May His Soul Rest in Peace. [Let us please observe a minute of silence in his Honour].
“It is poignant and reassuring to note that today, 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, based on stable processes, systems, and institutions that are guiding us today.
“Fellow Namibians, as I assume the Office of the President, a vacancy is created in the Office of the Vice President. After due consultations, I have the pleasure to announce the appointment of Honourable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, with immediate effect.
“During this difficult period of mourning, I urge all Namibians to remain united and to keep the bereaved family in our prayers.”
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