Tuesday, May 17, 2011

HIStory: Michael Jackson in Namibia



On May 17, 1998 Michael Jackson joined African leaders in Namibia in a call for debt relief and in urging for a new era for the world's poorest region, especially the children.

Michael Jackson told the annual Southern African Economic Forum summit that he would donate funds to make the world a better place for its children.


He said that he and his new business partner, Barden International, would be looking at global investments that would bring economic empowerment to the the people, and enrich the lives of children.







In the picture Michael Jackson is shaking hands with the then President of Namibia; now Founding President of Namibia Dr. Sam Nujoma and Chief of Protocol, at the time, Patrick Nandago in the background (now Namibia's Ambassador to the USA).




Michael Jackson in Namibia
Michael Jackson kissing 15 month-old Melvi Nujoma, granddaughter of Namibian President Sam Nujoma who is held by her father Utoni Nujoma. 

picture source: http://photos-michael-jackson.elusiveshadow.com/details.php?image_id=4327




Addendum:


Excerpt from : informante.web
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During  his visit to Namibia accompanied by Joe Barden of Barden International, Michael met some top ranking politicians and business people including the Founding Father, President Sam Nujoma; former Prime Minister, Hage Geingob; Theo-Ben Gurirab, business tycoons George Namundjebo, Haddis Tilahun, Martha Namundjebo, and Hilda Basson-Namundjebo among others. 

Hilda, an iconic figure in the entertainment industry whose family hosted Michael, spoke fondly of him. “I feel privileged to have met MJ personally twice in my life. We exchanged a few words, but it was difficult to sustain a conversation with him as he was very quiet and I of course was fairly overwhelmed. 


“I hope at this time of loss that we learn to value life and human beings.  I am amazed at people’s hypocrisy and how quickly someone is forgotten or their legacy is demonised within hours.  


“As young people, we live for the praise of others, but I pray that people learn that if Michael Jackson’s reputation can be tarnished and attacked so quickly, why do we put so much trust into other people’s opinions? No doubt, the same will happen to us.... the lesson for me is to live fully and to please God only.”


George Namundjebo said Michael’s charity work and business interest in Namibia can’t go unmentioned.
“He was the one behind the 800 Chevrolet vehicles bought by the government. He contributed to hospitals in the north. He was a good friend and he deserves to be the undisputed King of Pop.

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