Nujoma ‘in critical condition’

Founding president Sam Nujoma was admitted to a private hospital in Windhoek this week.
The Namibian understands that high-ranking government officials were this week briefed that Namibia’s first president was in critical condition.

His personal doctor, Dr Tshali Ithete, did not respond to questions sent to him regarding Nujoma’s hospitalisation, and his son, Utoni Nujoma, was not reachable.

Nujoma was hospitalised in July last year.

Following his hospitalisation at the time, the Office of the President thanked Namibians for their continued support and empathy towards Nujoma.

“He is recuperating very well and we are satisfied with his recovery progress,” the Office of the President said at the time.

Last year, president Nangolo Mbumba described Nujoma as an expert nurturer and a groomer with an eye for talent and developing leaders.

Mbumba made these remarks on Nujoma’s 95th birthday last year.

“He was an expert nurturer and groomer with an eye for talent, developing leaders such as the late comrades Hage Geingob, Moses //Garoëb, Theo-Ben Gurirab and Hidipo Hamutenya,” Mbumba said.

“It is no surprise that due to his impeccable leadership credentials, comrade Nujoma was president of Namibia for 15 years and president of Swapo from its inception until he handed over both leadership roles to comrade Hifikepunye Pohamba,” the president said.

Mbumba said Nujoma remains as loved and revered as ever, and probably even more so given his endearing nature and status as a father of the nation.

“To reach the age of 95 years is no mean feat. It is an honour reserved for those who are truly blessed with the gift of long life and health,” he said.

“As Namibians, we gather as one to serenade comrade Nujoma, an indomitable lion and pan-African luminary, who has established a legacy of leadership which will stand the test of time,” Mbumba said.

“As we celebrate the 95th year in the life of our beloved founding president, we express our utmost appreciation to the man who led us to independence. He was the one who believed when others doubted, he saw victory where others saw defeat, he encouraged those around him when spirits were down, and he remained resolute when others wavered.”