My husband has a huge, soft heart

In a cheerful and breezy interview with Namibian Sun’s Gordon Joseph, First Lady Monica Geingos gives us a glimpse into her husband, President Hage Geingob’s favourite literature and reveals the funny, wise and toned-down side of the man that thousands of Namibians look to for direction.

GJ: What do you regard as the most impressive decision made by President Hage Geingob this far in his presidency?
MG: The increments for pensioners were his first decision which was typical of his impressive multi-faceted decision-making. Firstly, the pension increase was a humanist move of love towards the elderly. Second, it was an economic move as the benefit flow-through trickled down to those who look after many dependants and thereby improving many lives at one time. Third, it was a poverty-eradication move as it significantly and immediately raised the income levels of many who have no other source of income to allow them to catch up with years of inflationary pressure.

GJ: Give us a sneak peek into his favourite literature, who are some of his favourite writers and what book, is he currently reading?
MG: What I find funny is that he is one of those readers who reads with a pen and gets so deeply engrossed in his book that he starts talking to himself and debating with the book! On his bedside are always a number of books which are specific to something he is referencing. At the moment, he is simultaneously reading the Great Divide by Joseph Stiglitz, Practical Politics by Michael Briand and Why Nations fail by Acemoglu & Robinson. He loves to read literature on African socioeconomic development and enjoys online newspapers.

GJ: What do you think is the most importance difference he wants to make in the country?
MG: He is a man who genuinely believes in inclusive growth and his heart’s wishes are entrenched in the narrative he has set. One Namibia, One Nation (unity). A Namibian house where no one feels left out (fair opportunity). Efficient and effective administration (accountability). Harambee (hard work which leads to prosperity). He has eloquently told us the difference he wants to make through the release of the Harambee Prosperity Plan so we don’t have to guess.
GJ: In your opinion, what is his single biggest trait that you adore and that you think resonates with Namibians and why?
MG: He is open-minded, informed and fair. He has a huge, soft heart and he loves with all of it. He is purpose-driven and understands when to use his authority and make decisions and when to allow others to perform their tasks. I think Namibians see his sincerity and while we all know not everything is perfect, we know his intentions are perfect and given a chance, he can deliver great things.

GJ: What is your greatest wish for him on his birthday?
My wish for him on his birthday is the same wish I have for him every day. That he continues to allow the Lord to lead and protect him. That he continues to remain true to his purpose and to his people. I also pray that he slows down as he is a workaholic who starts early in the morning and stops late at night. I wish he would get some rest!

GJ: Anything else you wish to add?
When you spend time with him, you will either be laughing or learning. He is full of jokes and is genuinely funny, sometimes intentionally and other times, he is not trying to be funny but its difficult not to laugh! He is also very experienced and insightful and when he speaks about issues, it is like sitting next to a well of wisdom. He is kind and jovial but he is also disciplinarian and when it is time to be serious or to work, there are no more jokes or playing around.

GORDON JOSEPH