WINDHOEK - Tributes are pouring in following the death of Namibia's President Hage Geingob at the age of 82.
He died early Sunday in a hospital in Windhoek, his office said.
Geingob, who was serving his second term as president and was his country's first prime minister after independence, revealed last month that he was being treated for cancer.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said: "Today, South Africa joins the people of our sister state Namibia in mourning the passing of a leader, patriot and friend of South Africa.
"President Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia's liberation from colonialism and apartheid. He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today."
President William Ruto of Kenya echoed this praise.
"He was a believer of a unified Africa and strongly promoted the continent's voice and visibility at the global arena," he said.
In 2013, Geingob underwent brain surgery, and last year he had an aortic operation in South Africa.
Up until his death, he had been receiving treatment at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek.
"The Namibian nation has lost a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of our constitution and the pillar of the Namibian house," said acting president Nangolo Mbumba.
"At this moment of deepest sorrow, I appeal to the nation to remain calm and collected while the government attends to all necessary state arrangements, preparations and other protocols."
He said the cabinet would convene immediately to make the necessary state arrangements.