‘Celebrate heroes while they are still living’

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says Namibia should celebrate liberation icons while they are still alive.
He says this as Namibia mourns the death of founding president Sam Nujoma.

“We see it all the time; when a hero dies, suddenly there are speeches, tributes and grand gestures. But while they are alive, they often struggle [and] are overlooked, especially those who are unknown. Namibia can do better by recognising and celebrating our liberation heroes while they are still with us,” Kamwanyah says.

He urges Namibians to document the stories of its liberation heroes, name places and institutions after them and involve them in national events.

“More importantly, we must ensure they live with dignity; proper housing, healthcare and financial support. A hero should not die poor and forgotten. Unfortunately, many died poor despite their immense sacrifices. And it’s not just about the well-known elites. Many unsung heroes and heroines – freedom fighters, community activists and ordinary citizens who made sacrifices – deserve recognition too.

He says some heroes, such as the women who made meals for People’s Liberation Army of Namibia fighters, the people who hid activists, the workers who funded the struggle, and those who suffered quietly under apartheid repression also played a vital role.

“Their stories must be told, and they too should be honoured in meaningful ways,” Kamwanyah says.

Reflecting on the country’s liberation leaders, former president Hifikepunye Pohamba said their generation is fading away.

Speaking at a recent memorial service for Nujoma, Pohamba said the cohort is small and will not be here forever.

“We are dying. Now when I count, I count Ben Amathila, I count myself. Now, we are being counted, you know. We are no more,” Pohamba said.

Pohamba made these remarks reflecting on the loss of two presidents over a short period. President Hage Geingob died on 4 February 2024, and Nujoma died on 8 February.

“We are going to join Sam Nujoma soon. We are going to go,” Pohamba said.

He urged Namibians to preserve peace as the country moves forward without its liberation leaders. “Let’s keep this country peaceful.”

Nujoma, who died at the age of 95, has been hailed as the last of a generation of African leaders who led their countries out of colonial or white minority rule. This included South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda and Mozambique’s Samora Machel.

“Let’s mourn [Nujoma] united as citizens. This is the message I have for you,” Pohamba said.