President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, on Saturday to join the Nujoma family, the people and government of Namibia, and other Heads of State and Government in bidding farewell to the late former President of Namibia, Dr Samuel Nujoma.
The Presidency confirmed his arrival in a statement where South Africa reiterated its deep condolences to Namibia.
“President Ramaphosa reiterates, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, his deep condolences to the government and people of Namibia,” Presidency said.
“South Africa and Namibia enjoy excellent bilateral relations due to the fraternal and historical relations cemented during the fight against colonialism and apartheid. The two countries established diplomatic ties in March 1990.”
Local media reports in Namibia indicate that delegations from over 10 countries, including heads of state from Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Ghana, are expected to attend President Nujoma’s state funeral in Windhoek on Saturday.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus confirmed this at the government information center on Wednesday.
Dignitaries from Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Finland, Cuba, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic will also be present.
President Nangolo Mbumba has declared March 1st a public holiday, the day when Nujoma, who passed away at the age of 95 on February 11, 2025, will be laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre.
Last year, 27 African leaders, including 18 sitting heads of state, attended the state funeral of former President Hage Geingob.
The Namibian government has received confirmations from various foreign delegations, including vice presidents, prime ministers, heads of international regional organisations, speakers of national parliaments, and foreign affairs ministers.
Nujoma, who became involved in anti-colonial politics in the 1950s, was the founding member and first President of the Southwest Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in 1960.
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