Namibia’s Legacy of Sacrifice

“My country, I have become a stranger in the country of my birth; now I find myself a stranger in a strange country. My country, we are struggling for you, sacrificing for you, our lives, our strength, and everything we’ve got… ama tukondjere ove (while we are fighting for you).”

These stirring lyrics from Jackson Kaujeua’s iconic song ‘Shilongo Shetu’ resonate profoundly as I reflect on the legacy of our founding president Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.

The words evoke Namibian culture, the winds of change, and the sacrifices that paved the way for our freedom. We are deeply indebted to the giants of our motherland.

SEEKING UNDERSTANDING

There is a biblical proverb that speaks of seeking wisdom but, above all, understanding.

During the national mourning period, I tried to understand our elders.

On 25 February, what started as a simple greeting from my parents turned into an almost two-hour conversation in which they shared their stories of war, exile, and sacrifice.

Their voices carry the weight of history, but so do their silences, their sombre expressions, and the way they carry themselves.

Perhaps this is where the gap between our generations lies: Not with a lack of respect, but in a lack of shared experiences.

It is up to us to bridge that gap – not with judgement but with a willingness to understand.

THE COMMON GOOD

The unity that defined Namibia’s liberation struggle can be seen in the brotherly bonds between Nujoma and Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of Zambia.

Kaunda’s unwavering support for Namibia went beyond political strategy; it was rooted in genuine African solidarity.

By offering Zambia as a refuge for Namibia’s liberation movement, Kaunda facilitated the establishment of military camps and political offices in Lusaka, playing a pivotal role in Namibia’s journey to freedom.

This mutual support reflects Nujoma’s belief that “a people united and striving to reach the same goal will always emerge victorious”.
The alliance between Nujoma and Kaunda remains a powerful example of what can be achieved when unity drives the common good.

UNFORGOTTEN HEROES

The passing of our founding president has reignited discussions about our past, showing that the history taught in our schools often fails to capture the depth and detail of the sacrifices made.

History is not just something we inherit, it is something we must seek.

I turned to books, like ‘Never Follow the Wolf’ by Helao Shityuwete, a Namibian freedom fighter and the son of a late rain king.
Shityuwete writes that he was faced with a choice: Academics or military training.

After much consideration, military action appeared to be the only way to remove the South African apartheid administration in Namibia.

What a bold move.

One thing I continue to notice among our liberation heroes is their fierce sense of unity. And: “Forward Ever. Backward Never.”

STRUGGLE FOR A JUST NAMIBIA

The battle we face today is no longer against colonial oppressors but against current struggles.

The #ShutItAllDown protests, acts of defiance against gender-based violence and femicide, serve as a powerful example.

If you were not actively advocating during these protests, you cannot truly understand the frustration and immense pain of young Namibians who demanded justice.

Violence, abuse and systemic marginalisation persist, especially among the most vulnerable communities.

We continue to fight against tribalism, greed, and a system that perpetuates inequality.

We are also battling poverty, unemployment and a system that often feels indifferent to the plight of the youth.

Young people are increasingly frustrated with the political systems that once inspired hope.

Their discontent is reflected in the choices they make, particularly in their approach to politics.

RESPECTING OUR ELDERS

I would rob myself of dignity if I did not speak about the normalised disrespect among young people toward their elders, especially during the mourning period for our founding president.

What some might call ‘memes’, I view as a form of disrespect seemingly disguised as humour.

From mocking the way our leaders speak to ridiculing their appearance and conduct, they all but overstepped and blurred the boundaries of freedom of expression. It was demeaning.

We must remember that being born free does not mean misusing that freedom. Those we are shaming are our leaders, our fathers, and our mothers.
It is just not okay.

THANK YOU, TATEKULU

I acknowledge that we may never fully comprehend the depth of the events before 1990.

But what I do know is that we are the children of the soil, carrying the spirit of our ancestors within us.

With dignity and purpose, we stand for, and must stand for, what truly matters. Hats off to you, Nujoma. Se otwapandula. (We are thankful.)

• – Mirjam Shihepo is in the communications field.