As we embark on the second half of 2024, I cannot help but the reflect on the first half of this year.  Life changing experiences here at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital and this all takes me back to the very sad day in our history of Namibia.

It is the 24th of February 2024. Hage Geingob Stadium is packed with people to pay their last tribute to our Honorable late President, Dr Hage Geingob. From where I am seated, I become aware of hundreds of Namibians and representatives from all over the world. The privilege to be here, representing Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, where our President passed on sadly and unexpectedly…. I think of his family and their absolute humility and kindness during those very difficult very days at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital.

Tributes from various people are following one-after-the-other and one main theme comes up in every speech: our President’s serving character, his positive influence, dignity, respect for other people and humbleness. My heart fills with appreciation and an urge to apply his example in my own life and leadership style. When I think back about him being a patient at our hospital, his characteristics always stood out clearly even in the last hours of his life.

After hours of listening and experiencing the person of Hage Geingob, I and many attendees are making our way to the gates to exit the stadium. On my way out, at the wrong time – at the wrong place, my left high heel collapses and brakes off completely! I still have a long way to make it to the gate, moving through hundreds of people. The only option for me is to go without one shoe – a crisis in the moment! Shall I also remove the other shoe or carry on with the one broken shoe?

Unexpectedly, my rescue arrives! Two teenage boys! The last thing that I ever thought would happen, is unfolding in front of my eyes. As they are getting my attention, one boy is reaching out to me with genuine empathy and letting me know that he is seeing my struggle with one broken shoe, or maybe with the one shoe remaining, or me that must go without shoes. The next moment he offers his two flip flops. I stood astonished… “I am fine”, I respond, “I will manage”. Then he bows down; first removes my broken shoe; replaces it with his own shoe. Wow! He then does the same with my other foot. Without any words, he goes barefoot further while carrying my shoes, moving with me through the crowds until we reach my car outside the stadium. I was overwhelmed and I unfortunately never got his name, but he will forever remain in my heart.

What an action of humble service by a teenage boy! The impact of this empathetic deed has imprinted my mind ever since. When I look back, I realize that the boy’s deed was a resemblance of the legacy of our late President – respect for people, caring, positive influence and humbleness. An example for every Namibian.

I want to call the boy “my barefoot soulmate”. “You made an impact on my life when I was in need; you walked with me; you carried my burden and an example I also want to follow. I sincerely hope that you will become the future President of Namibia!”