Founding president Sam Nujoma, the last of his generation of African liberation struggle leaders, has died.
This group of leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) included Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Samora Machel of Mozambique, Agostinho Neto of Angola , Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Hastings Kamuzu Banda of Malawi and Seretse Khama of Botswana.
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Panduleni Itula says Namibia’s foundation of democracy and independence has been shaken severely, following president Nangolo Mbumba’s announcement yesterday of Nujoma’s death on Saturday night at 23h45.
Nujoma was admitted to a hospital in Windhoek three weeks ago due to ill health.
He was 95 years old and is revered for laying the foundation of Namibia’s independence.
Itula’s sentiments echo those of others whose tributes poured in from near and far yesterday.
“I’ve got no doubt that Namibians of all walks and all ages and generations will hold hands together in memory of our fallen commander-in-chief, and remember him from the strength, tenacity, perseverance and consistency in the leadership he’s demonstrated,” the IPC president said yesterday.
He said Nujoma was in the league of leaders who have demonstrated that colonialism could be defeated.
“As Namibians, we will look up to the image and the example he has presented,” Itula said.
He recalled his first encounter with Nujoma in April 1981 at the President Hotel in London, where they were introduced by then chief Swapo representative Shapua Kaukungwa.
Itula said when they hoisted the Swapo flag at Sheffield City Council, Nujoma reiterated that Namibia would be liberated.
“His words were found to be true.”
PAYING TRIBUTE
Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani yesterday said Nujoma’s name is synonymous with Namibia’s freedom, and that the founding president played a “towering role” in the country gaining independence
He said Nujoma’s greatest legacy is freedom and nationhood.
“We owe him a great deal of gratitude for his unselfish contribution to the struggle for Namibian emancipation,” he said.
Swapo Party Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo said Nujoma has profoundly shaped the country’s identity and values, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire all.
“One of my most cherished memories of Nujoma is his unwavering commitment to the principles of freedom, justice and equality.
“His resilience during the protracted struggle for independence served as a beacon of hope for countless Namibians, inspiring us to stand firm and united in the face of adversity,” he said.
Nekongo said Nujoma consistently emphasised that independence was not merely a political victory, but a shared triumph of the Namibian people.
“As a former contract labourer, he experienced labour exploitation and mobilised workers. Nujoma realised that Namibian workers’ plights can only be solved in a conducive political environment, thus he mobilised them to join the armed liberation struggle of Namibia,” he said.
Nekongo said Nujoma’s decision to leave the country and garner international support for Namibia’s armed struggle will remain a watershed moment in Namibia’s liberation history.
“Namibians will always cherish Nujoma’s political ideals and his immense leadership strength during the struggle for independence and afterwards.”
The National Assembly (NA) yesterday released a statement, saying Nujoma’s contributions to the legislative processes of the Namibian state were foundational in creating a constitutional democracy based on freedom, unity and prosperity.
“On behalf of the parliament of Namibia, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Swapo Party and to the people of Namibia.
“In honouring his memory, we reaffirm our collective commitment to the ideals he fought for – the pursuit of peace, democracy and national unity,” the statement read.
Former Cabinet minister and liberation war veteran Helmut Angula said Namibia has lost its founder.
“Like all human beings, we have limited time on this earth, and his time has come, but he lived a worthy life,” he said.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah told Desert FM the death of the founding president signals the end of the era of Africa’s founding leaders.
“His legacy is intertwined with the liberation struggle. In Africa, we don’t speak ill of someone who just died, but his legacy is also controversial,” he said.
National Democratic Party president Martin Lukato told Desert FM that Namibia has lost a brave liberation icon who never wavered, and who “sacrificed his entire life for Namibia”.
REGIONAL LEADERS MOURN
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday said his thoughts are with Mbumba and Namibia’s government.
Ramaphosa said: “As neighbours and compatriots, South Africa is united in grief with Namibians who have lost the leader of the Namibian revolution, who is inseparable from our own history of struggle and liberation.
“Dr Sam 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.”
He added that “in exile and on home soil, he led the Ovamboland 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.”
Ramaphosa remembered Nujoma as a leader who “inspired the Namibian people to pride and resistance that belied the size of the population”, adding that Namibia’s independence from South Africa in 1990 “ignited in us the inevitability of our own liberation”.
Mbumba yesterday said the government would announce a period of national mourning after consultations with the Nujoma and Kondombolo families.
Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu yesterday extended her condolences to Namibia.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the founding president and founding father of the nation of the Republic of Namibia, his excellency Dr Sam Nujoma,” she wrote on X.
Suluhu described Nujoma as a freedom fighter, pan-Africanist and dear friend of Tanzania.
Nujoma lived in Tanzania during the struggle for Namibia’s independence.
“Dr 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,” she wrote.
Kenyan president William Ruto has described the late founding president as a selfless and courageous leader.
He said Kenya stands in solidarity with the people of Namibia in mourning Nujoma’s death.
African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said Nujoma was the epitome of courage.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the founding first lady, Kovambo Nujoma, his family and to the government and the public of Namibia,” he said yesterday.
Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema took to social media to pay tribute to Nujoma.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Nujoma – freedom fighter, nationalist, pan-Africanist, and founding president of Namibia,” he posted on X.
“His legacy will live on forever,” Hichilema added.
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