Namibia, a nation defined by its independence and national pride, is in mourning following the passing of its first President and revered Founding Father, His Excellency Dr. Sam Nujoma.
The news of his death has left the country and the world at large grieving the loss of a towering figure in African liberation, who dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality.
Dr. Nujoma, the architect of Namibia’s liberation and first democratically elected president, passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will forever be etched in the history of Namibia.
He was a beacon of hope and resistance during the country’s fight against colonial oppression, a struggle that spanned decades under the brutal rule of South African apartheid forces.
Born on May 12, 1929, in the village of Etunda in northern Namibia, Nujoma rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in the fight for Namibia’s independence.
His early life was marked by hardship, but his experiences fueled his determination to resist the unjust systems that sought to keep his people oppressed.
He was educated at local schools in Namibia before moving to South Africa for further studies.
It was in South Africa that Nujoma became more politically active, joining the African National Congress (ANC) and later the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), which was founded in 1960 to advocate for the independence of Namibia.
As the leader of SWAPO, Dr. Nujoma played an instrumental role in organizing armed resistance against the South African occupation of Namibia.
He became the face of the liberation movement, not only in Namibia but across the African continent, garnering support from other nations and international bodies.
Under his leadership, SWAPO engaged in guerrilla warfare, rallying against the apartheid regime and calling for the rightful sovereignty of the Namibian people.
In 1990, after years of struggle, diplomacy, and perseverance, Namibia finally achieved its independence from South Africa.
On March 21, 1990, Dr. Nujoma became the first President of Namibia, ushering in an era of freedom and democracy that the country had long fought for.
His leadership as the country’s first head of state was marked by a commitment to nation-building, reconciliation, and the improvement of the living standards of all Namibians, especially those who had endured the pains of colonial rule and apartheid.
Dr. Nujoma’s presidency, which lasted from 1990 to 2005, was characterized by significant achievements in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
His policies focused on uplifting the marginalized and ensuring that Namibia’s vast natural resources were used for the benefit of all its people.
His government’s commitment to land reform and the redistribution of wealth remains one of the cornerstones of his leadership legacy.
Beyond the material advancements, Dr. Nujoma also championed the cause of Pan-Africanism and sought to position Namibia as a leader on the continent.
He was instrumental in fostering unity and collaboration among African nations, frequently advocating for African solutions to African problems.
His strong relationships with other African leaders, particularly Nelson Mandela, further strengthened his stature as an influential figure in both Namibia and the broader African community.
While president, he unequivocally backed Robert Mugabe’s controversial land reforms in nearby Zimbabwe and was not shy to keep ties with rulers of Cuba, Libya, Iran, North Korea and China.
He called homosexuality “madness” and warned in 2001 that gays and lesbians would be arrested and jailed or deported.
His policy on AIDS earned him some international praise, but he came under fire for refusing to rehabilitate several hundred SWAPO fighters who were kept in prison in Angola accused of being “spies” for South Africa.
Though he stepped down as president in 2007 after serving for 15 years, Dr. Nujoma’s influence on Namibian politics remained significant.
He continued to be an outspoken figure on national and continental issues, providing guidance and wisdom to successive generations of leaders.
His commitment to peace, unity, and the betterment of the Namibian people never wavered.
Even after he retired, Nujoma — one of Africa’s last remaining independence leaders — was lauded in his sparsely populated country of around three million people.
The face of the larger-than-life, white-bearded liberator appears on several Namibian dollar notes.
A six-metre tall statue of Nujoma greets visitors outside the Namibian Independence Museum.
Streets have been named after him at home and also in other countries in Southern Africa.
One of his last public appearances was at an Africa Day event in 2022 when he showed little sign of being 93 years old.
Supported by a walker, he raised one hand in a fist and recalled the ideals of the continent’s independence movements.
In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the world. Namibian President Hage Geingob, in a heartfelt statement, described Dr. Nujoma as “the father of our nation, the source of our liberation and independence, a true symbol of courage, selflessness, and vision.”
President Geingob further acknowledged Dr. Nujoma’s leadership during the country’s early days, noting his pivotal role in establishing the foundation for Namibia’s peaceful and democratic society.
International leaders have also paid tribute to Dr. Nujoma, recognizing his tireless commitment to the African liberation struggle and his remarkable ability to unite people across racial, ethnic, and political divides.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki called Dr. Nujoma “a pillar of African liberation” and a “shining example of leadership in the face of adversity.”
Dr. Nujoma’s passing comes at a time when Namibia, and indeed the entire African continent, is reflecting on its past struggles for freedom and sovereignty, and the path forward.
As Namibia celebrates its independence, the nation will undoubtedly continue to honor Dr. Nujoma’s legacy, ensuring that his contributions to the struggle for freedom and justice are never forgotten.
A state funeral will be held to honor the life and achievements of Dr. Nujoma, with national mourning set to commence across the country.
Flags will fly at half-mast, and a period of reflection will allow Namibians to remember the man who helped them achieve their long-desired independence.
In addition to his political legacy, Dr. Nujoma was also a prolific author, having penned several books about his life, the liberation struggle, and the vision for Namibia’s future.
His contributions to literature, education, and the arts have also shaped the intellectual landscape of the country, influencing generations of students, academics, and activists.
As Namibia moves forward, the life of Dr. Sam Nujoma will continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
He will forever be remembered as the Founding Father of the Republic of Namibia, whose unwavering dedication to his people will inspire generations to come
