All systems go for Geingob’s final farewell

Windhoek residents can expect major traffic disruptions and intense security measures when the mortal remains of late president Hage Geingob are taken on a tour across the capital city today before being interred at the national heroes’ shrine on Sunday.

Scores of world leaders as well as thousands of ordinary Namibians are expected to converge at the country’s national stadium on Saturday afternoon for the official memorial service, thrusting the country into the international spotlight.

This weekend’s events are meant to give Geingob a send-off befitting his status as the longest serving prime minister and the country’s third president, a man many revered as 'the people’s president'.

Several road closures have also been put in place ahead of this weekend’s activities, with at least 18 African heads of state and nine former presidents having confirmed they will attend the funeral and burial proceedings.

The guest list of foreign dignitaries include United Nations’ deputy secretary-general Amina Jane Mohammed, African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland and member of the British royal family, Princess Anne.

Public transport has been arranged to pick up mourners from designated points around the capital for tomorrow’s memorial service and the burial service on Sunday.

This follows days of various events held countrywide and at the country’s diplomatic missions across the world in honour of Geingob, who died on Sunday, 4 February, after a short battle with cancer.

This week, there was little activity at the former president’s home, which has since his death been a beehive of mourning.

Swift preparations

While tributes and memorial services were being held across the country, at Heroes’ Acre and the Independence Stadium - where the official funeral proceedings will take place - workers have been working around the clock to ensure that everything is in order.

Contractors, painters and a team of inmates from the Windhoek Central Prison have also been roped in to prepare for what is expected to be the country’s biggest event since its independence in 1990.

Thousands of police officers and soldiers have been rehearsing their drills in order to assist with logistical and security arrangements, and assuage security fears during Geingob’s memorial and funeral services.

The security forces could also be seen on the city’s roads yesterday doing mock drills for today’s procession. They will spearhead the ceremonial procession which will see Geingob’s remains transported across Windhoek from 12:00 to 16:00.

The entourage will depart State House and head towards David Hosea Meroro Street, via Jan Jonker Street, from where it will follow Hendrik Witbooi Drive to Moses Garoeb Street onto Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Road through Independence Avenue to Sam Nujoma Drive.

At around 12:35, it will pause at Soweto Market and Katutura Shoprite, thereafter leaving for the circle at the fire brigade on Independence Avenue, from where it will follow Independence Avenue to the central business district. It will then pass the Avani Windhoek Hotel before the procession turns onto Sam Nujoma Drive and follows the road past St Paul’s College to Geingob’s home, Casa Rosalia.

At around 15:35, the procession will depart for the Parliament Gardens where the public will be allowed to view the body as it lies in state.

No stone left unturned

Meanwhile, government has announced that all civil servants have permission to knock-off at 10:00 today to enable them to participate in the ceremonial route procession, as well as afford those who wish to travel to Windhoek for the funeral and burial an opportunity to do so.

Plans have also been made to manage the mass influx to the city and the areas around Independence Stadium for mourners who want to get a last glimpse of the late president.

Namibian Police Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo said the force is ready to ensure that the weekend’s activities go accordingly.

“We are ready to provide security services to our people and the visitors who are coming to mourn the death of our president. This message should go out there that those with ill intentions and plans to destabilise our peace and tranquility will not be tolerated, and no stone will be left unturned,” he told officers this week.

The Hosea Kutako and Eros airports will serve as the arrival and departure points for all foreign dignitaries, with access closely monitored.

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) this week urged airport users to be vigilant for possible delays.

“Kindly plan your route to the airports well on time to avoid possible inconvenience,” it said.

In order to ensure smooth facilitation of international mourners, NAC has announced that it will waive the short-term parking fees at the Hosea Kutako International Airport from 23 to 26 February.

Broadcasting details

There’s no doubt of the global media interest. Hundreds of journalists had been accredited as of last night, with more expected.

However, only the national broadcaster, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), will be given access to broadcast Sunday's proceedings live. Other media houses will have to rely on the NBC feed to relay it to their viewers.

Network Television (NTV) - which can be viewed online via oneuptwo.com, on DStv channel 285 and GOtv channel 25 - will be covering the formal memorial service on Saturday, which is due to start at 14:00 at the Independence Stadium. Gates open at 10:00.

These proceedings are likely to go on until the early evening and cameras will be trained on the casket throughout the night, while members of the Namibia Defence Force will be keeping vigil.

Sunday morning will see an early start, with the casket being transferred from Independence Stadium to Heroes’ Acre south of Windhoek.

The Namibia Media Holdings publications and NTV will again cover the laying to rest of the president, who has been declared a national hero. The formal proceedings are planned to start as from 10:00 and will likely carry on until lunchtime.