By Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Namibia following the passing of their founding president, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, at the age of 95.
Ramaphosa extended sympathies to the Nujoma family, including Founding First Lady Kovambo Nujoma, as well as Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba and his government, who are mourning this loss just a year after the passing of former president Hage Geingob.
Ramaphosa described Nujoma as an extraordinary freedom fighter whose legacy was inseparable from South Africa’s own liberation struggle.
“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,” the president said on Sunday.
He acknowledged Nujoma’s role as leader of the Ovambo People’s Organisation, the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia.
The president highlighted Nujoma’s influence in inspiring Namibia’s fight for independence, which was achieved in 1990, and the impact this had on South Africa’s own path to democracy.
He credited Nujoma’s leadership in a free Namibia as laying the foundation for the strong partnership between the two nations today.
The Economic Freedom Fighters have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nujoma, hailing him as a revolutionary leader and a symbol of African liberation.
Spokesperson Thembi Msane praised his legacy, comparing his sacrifices to those of other African liberation heroes.
“As we celebrate his life, we reaffirm our commitment to the unfinished struggle for total liberation, economic justice and the dignity of all African people,” Msane said.
She said Nujoma’s legacy, together with that of Andimba Toivo ya Toivo and other Namibian liberation heroes, was a reminder that freedom was never given but fought for.
“His sacrifices, from the battlefields to the political arena, mirror the struggles of all movements across the continent, including the EFF’s pursuit of true economic freedom in our lifetime,” Msane said.
The party extended condolences to Nujoma’s family, the Namibian people and SWAPO, vowing to continue his fight for economic justice and total African liberation.
Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba announced on Sunday that Nujoma, who had been hospitalised for the past three weeks, passed away on Saturday in Windhoek after battling an illness from which authorities stated he could not recover from.
“The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken. Our Founding Father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served and marshalled the Namibian people during the darkest hours of our liberation struggle until the attainment of freedom and independence,” Mbumba said.
Nujoma was the leader of SWAPO from 1960 to 2007 and spearheaded Namibia’s fight for independence from South African rule.
After independence was achieved in 1990, he served as Namibia’s first president until 2005, overseeing a period of political stability and economic growth.
Born into a humble farming family from the Ovambo tribe, Nujoma was the eldest of 10 children.
His political consciousness was awakened in the late 1940s while working as a railway sweeper in Windhoek and attending night school.
In 1960, Nujoma went into exile and became the president of SWAPO and lobbied for international support for Namibia’s independence.
Under his leadership, SWAPO launched an armed struggle in 1966 after South Africa defied a UN directive to relinquish control over Namibia.
After decades of conflict, Namibia finally gained independence on 21 March 1990, making it one of the last African nations to break free from colonial rule.
During his presidency, Nujoma championed policies aimed at economic growth, education and land reform. His leadership on HIV/AIDS awareness received international recognition.
However, his tenure was also marked by controversy, particularly regarding his refusal to rehabilitate former SWAPO members accused of being apartheid spies.
Additionally, his staunch opposition to homosexuality drew criticism from human rights organisations.
Mbumba announced that a period of national mourning would be observed, with official burial arrangements to follow after consultations with the Nujoma family.
President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is set to take office next month, praised Nujoma’s “visionary leadership and dedication to liberation and nation building”.
“Let us honour his legacy by upholding resilience, solidarity and selfless service,” she said.
She said as Namibia mourned the passing of its founding father, her nation would reflect on the extraordinary contributions of Nujoma, a leader whose determination and sacrifice helped shape modern Namibia.
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