African leaders remember Nujoma

Various African leaders and political parties yesterday lauded founding president Sam Nujoma as a fearless freedom fighter and unifying leader.

Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema described him as a “freedom fighter, nationalist, pan-Africanist and the founding president of Namibia”.

Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu yesterday said: “Nujoma lived a life of service that shaped not only his country’s destiny, but also inspired generations to stand up for the ideals of freedom, equality and justice.”

Nujoma lived in Tanzania during the struggle for Namibia’s independence.

From eastern Africa, Kenyan president William Ruto has described the late founding president as a selfless and courageous leader.

He said Kenya stands in solidarity with Namibia in mourning Nujoma’s death.

“Nujoma was a selfless, courageous and visionary leader who dedicated his life to the liberation and development of his country,” Ruto wrote.

African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said Nujoma was the epitome of courage.

He described Nujoma as a liberation icon and one of the world’s most illustrious revolutionary leaders.

“Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma was the epitome of courage, never wavering from his vision for a free Namibia and a unified Africa,” he posted on X on Sunday.

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday said Nujoma was an extraordinary freedom fighter who divided his revolutionary programme between Namibia’s own struggle against South African colonialism and the liberation of South Africa from apartheid.

“In exile and on home soil, he led the Ovambo People’s Organisation, the South West Africa People’s Organisation and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia against the seemingly unshakeable might of colonial and apartheid authorities and forces,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, said Nujoma was a towering figure on the continent.

“A towering figure of liberation and a champion of African independence, his legacy will continue to inspire generations,” he said on X.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Nujoma family, the government and the people of Namibia.

AFRICAN POLITICAL PARTIES

The African National Congress yesterday said the continent should continue to strive for a united Africa to honour Nujoma.

The party commended Nujoma for his charismatic leadership, saying his fiery spirit made him a symbol of hope and resilience for generations of Namibians.

“To the people of Namibia, president Nujoma will forever be remembered as the father of the nation, a fearless freedom fighter and a unifying force in Namibia’s struggle for freedom,” the South African ruling party said in a press statement.

Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, quoted president Nangolo Mbumba’s words when he announced Nujoma’s death.

“President Sam Nujoma heroically marshalled the Namibian people during the darkest hours of our liberation struggle until the attainment of freedom and independence from apartheid South Africa on 21 March 1990,” the party posted on X.

South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said the founding president leaves a legacy that shows Namibia’s independence required commitment and sacrifice.

EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo yesterday said Nujoma’s death marks the end of a life dedicated to the emancipation of the African people from colonial and apartheid rule.

“His legacy, together with that of Andimba Toivo ya Toivo and other Namibian liberation heroes, reminds us that freedom is never given but fought for.

“His sacrifices, from the battlefields to the political arena, mirror the struggles of all movements across the continent, including the EFF’s pursuit of true economic freedom in our lifetime,” he said.

Thambo reflected on Nujoma’s early life, highlighting his humble beginnings in northern Namibia shaped by hardship and resistance.

“From working as a railway cleaner while attending night school to organising black workers against forced removals, he embodied the spirit of defiance that would define his lifelong struggle for justice.

“Co-founding and leading the South West Africa People’s Organisation from 1960 cemented his role as a fearless leader in Namibia’s liberation struggle against the brutal apartheid regime.”