Sad week as Africa mourns Sam Nujoma

Sad week as Africa mourns Sam Nujoma

Cde Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first President, died over the weekend at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of unity among African people.

Condolence messages and eulogies have poured in following his death.

Cde Nujoma led the decades-long struggle for Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years.

Announcing Cde Nujoma’s passing, Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba praised Cde Nujoma as a leader who “heroically marshaled the Namibian people during the darkest hours of our liberation struggle.”

Namibia’s Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila recently led a cabinet meeting to discuss the funeral arrangements of Cde Nujoma.

“The public will be informed about any decisions that are taken by the President with regard to the programme,” Namibia’s presidential press secretary, Alfredo Hengari shared with the media.

Many African leaders have sent out condolence statements since the announcement of Cde Nujoma’s passing.

President Mnangagwa’s condolence message

President Mnangagwa joined other regional leaders in mourning Namibia’s founding leader, Dr Sam Nujoma, who died on Saturday, describing him as a towering figure of liberation whose legacy will continue to inspire generations across the African continent.

In a statement, the President hailed Dr Nujoma’s unwavering dedication to the liberation of Namibia and his commitment to the unity of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“We hurt and grieve deeply at the passing on of this gallant freedom fighter and visionary icon who led and delivered Independence and nationhood to the Namibian people,” said President Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe and Namibia share strong historical ties, dating back to the liberation struggles of both nations.

President Mnangagwa acknowledged Dr Nujoma’s steadfast support for Zimbabwe, particularly during the Land Reform Programme, when he stood by Harare despite international pressure.

“Zimbabwe will always remember and cherish Dr Nujoma’s principled and unconditional support as our nation faced a concerted onslaught by vindictive countries of the West,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said Dr Nujoma’s legacy was that of a true Pan-Africanist, who championed the independence and sovereignty of African nations and that Africa must remain vigilant against “new challenges of resource-induced encroachments.”

President Ramaphosa’s condolence message

In a statement, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said Namibians have lost a leader of the revolution, who is inseparable from South Africa’s history of struggle and liberation.

He said Cde Nujoma Nujoma was an extraordinary freedom fighter who divided his revolutionary programme between Namibia’s own struggle against South African colonialism.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said, “President Nujoma’s leadership of freeing Namibia laid the foundation for the solidarity and partnership our two countries share today. A partnership that will continue to deepen as neighbours and friends.”