WINDHOEK, Mar. 17 – President Hage Geingob has paid tribute to the late former president of Zambia, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, lauding him a distinguished diplomat and Pan-Africanist beyond reproach. Geingob highlighted that president Banda was a statement who dedicated his entire life to the pursuit of freedom, justice and prosperity for the peoples of Zambia, Southern Africa and Africa at large.
Reminiscing of president Banda’s pioneering efforts, Geingob said: “I still recall how in 1974, the late Banda took on the
responsibility of President of the United Nations Council for Namibia, whilst serving in as the Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations.”
Namibia’s president Hage Geingob shares a warm embrace with the late Rupiah Banda. (Photo: Namibian Presidency)
“During his tenure, Ambassador Banda became a pivotal voice on the international stage in advancing our cause for independence and sovereignty,” he said.
Geingob described the passing on of Banda as a monumental loss to the people of Namibia as a staunch advocate for democracy as well as having been a ‘true dependable friend.’
“We find refuge from our grief in the wake of his passing, in remembering his robust and steadfast contributions to the struggle for liberation in our region and the strides he made for the socio-economic development of the people of this region. It is against this background that I wish to thank the family and the Government of Zambia for organizing
this most befitting and solemn send off in honour of this departed distinguished son of your great country.”
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Namibia, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to the Government and fraternal people of the Republic of Zambia, to his widow Madame Thandiwe Banda, to his children, Themwani and Henry Banda, and the entire bereaved family.”
Geingob was speaking during the occasion of the state funeral service for the late Banda. – musa@namibiadailynews.info
