Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba says his autobiography brought back both uplifting and difficult experiences as well as distressing moments from his past.
Pohamba was speaking at the launch of his autobiography in Windhoek on Monday.
The book, written by Ellen Namhila and titled ‘The Footprints of Hifikepunye Pohamba – ‘Ondjila Eyi A Enda’’, narrates the life of Pohamba and his contribution to the independence of Namibia.
“Giving an account of one’s life journey is a complex undertaking that often involves a mixed group of emotions, emotions that took me through a nostalgic recollection of pleasant and enduring encounters and other reflections of distressing, humiliating, and unpalatable experiences,” Pohamba said.
The former president recalls how he personally chose Namhila for the task after she returned from her studies and acknowledged the many individuals and organisations whose contributions made the project possible.
He reflected on the emotional challenge of recounting his life’s journey, describing it as a complex mix of nostalgia, joy, and painful memories.
Namhila says she was overwhelmed by the honour and responsibility when Pohamba personally requested her assistance.
“It took me a while to get out of my shock, and to be asked to write a book about a former president is not a small thing,” she says.
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