A Towering giant of Africa, a revolutionary leader, a father to the Namibian nation and the last of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) liberation icons, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma has taken his final bow.
As the clock neared midnight on 8 February, at the age of 95, the heartbeat of Namibia’s freedom struggle died, leaving an indelible legacy that will resonate for generations to come.
With his passing, the last of the great liberation leaders of southern Africa has joined his legendary comrades – Nelson Mandela, Robert Mugabe, Agostinho Neto, Julius Nyerere, Samora Machel and Kenneth Kaunda – in eternal rest.
These were men who stood firm against colonial oppression, who carried the hopes of their people on their shoulders, and who delivered independence for their nations.
Nujoma was not only a part of this pantheon of revolutionaries, he was among its brightest stars.
DEDICATED TO FREEDOM
Our comrade founding president, our omukokoli, our father of the nation, our ndjai yiita, our leader of the Namibian revolution, our commander in chief, he was a defining figure in shaping Namibia’s identity.
He led the Namibian people through decades of struggle – from the darkest days of oppression, through the fires of resistance to the dawn of independence.
As the founding president of Namibia, he spearheaded the liberation movement that ultimately dismantled the apartheid regime, securing Namibia’s freedom on 21 March 1990.
For 15 years, from 1990 to 2005, he steered the nation with a steady hand, laying the foundations of peace, unity and development.
His leadership was not just about governance, it was about nation-building, self-reliance and African solidarity.
He believed in the power of education, the strength of the youth and the responsibility of every Namibian to uphold the sovereignty of the Land of the Brave.
LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY
Nujoma was a futurist leader, more concerned about Namibia’s future than anything else.
He understood that a nation’s strength lies in its people and he often emphasised the importance of population growth, education in key areas, and self-reliance.
His words echoed wisdom and foresight – a reminder that the prosperity of tomorrow depends on the investments made today.
He never led for his own glory but always for the future of his beloved Namibia.
Whether addressing issues of economic independence, social development or regional integration, his mind was single-mindedly fixed on ensuring that Namibia would not only survive but thrive for generations to come.
And his indomitable spirit will live on for generations to come through us as Namibians and Africans.
As we mourn his loss, we must also honour his legacy by continuing the work he started.
Nujoma was a visionary who dreamed of a self-sufficient Namibia, a Namibia that stands tall among the nations of the world.
His voice will forever echo in the winds of our deserts, his spirit will forever walk the paths of our land and his lessons will forever be etched in the hearts of the people.
He taught us that freedom is never given – it is earned through sacrifice.
He reminded us that a united people can overcome any challenge.
And he showed us that leadership is not about power but about service.
Tatekulu symbolised who we are as the Land of the Brave. I always reflected on the privilege of being alive at the same time as someone of his legendary stature.
LAST OF HIS KIND
With his departure, an era comes to an end.
The generation of African revolutionaries who defied colonial rule and delivered independence to their people has now transitioned into history.
Nujoma was the last living icon of SADC’s liberation struggle, the final torchbearer of a movement that changed the destiny of an entire continent.
Yet, even in death, his legacy will illuminate our path.
As we move forward, let us carry his teachings, let us uphold his values and let us remain steadfast in building the Namibia he envisioned – a land of prosperity, peace and unity.
A NATION MOURNS, A CONTINENT REMEMBERS
To his beloved family, to the Namibian people and to Africa, we extend our deepest condolences. We have lost a father, a mentor and a leader but we have gained a legend whose impact will never fade.
It is our duty to die well. You did well for our nation.
Greet omapendafule Hosea Kutako, Chief Samuel Maharero, Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, Mandume ya Ndemufayo, Nehale Lya Mpingana, Iipumbu ya Tshilongo, Brendan Simbwaye, Greenwell Matongo, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Anton Lubowski, Hage Geingob, Hidipo Hamutenya, Peter Nanyemba and all our heroes!
As the nation mourns the loss of our beloved founding president, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to fellow Namibians.
Namibia has lost a freedom fighter, a pan-Africanist, a statesman of note and a revolutionary whose legacy will forever inspire generations.
We mourn, yet we celebrate an icon.
Rest in power, tatekulu. Long live your legacy!
- – Lot Ndamanomhata is a public management, journalism and communication graduate. This article is written in his personal capacity.
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