Namibia Bids Farewell To Its Founding Father Dr. Sam Nujoma.

Namibia is bidding farewell to its founding father, Sam Nujoma, who passed away on February 9, 2025, at the age of 95. Nujoma was a key figure in Namibia’s struggle for independence from apartheid South Africa and served as the country’s first president from 1990 to 2005.

He was a unifying leader who bridged political divides and oversaw a national reconciliation program under the motto “One Namibia, One Nation”. Nujoma’s leadership was instrumental in establishing democratic institutions and fostering reconciliation in a country scarred by the legacy of apartheid and German colonial rule.

Throughout his presidency, Nujoma often repeated the phrase: “A united people, striving to achieve a common good for all members of society, will always emerge victorious”. His commitment to unity and reconciliation helped to heal the wounds of the past and paved the way for Namibia’s future development.

Nujoma’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. While he is widely celebrated for his role in Namibia’s independence, his presidency was also marked by controversy, including his stance on press freedom and the harsh suppression of the 1999 Caprivi rebellion.

Despite these controversies, Nujoma remains a beloved figure in Namibia, and his passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the country ² ¹. The Namibian presidency has described Nujoma as a “gallant son of the land” who “blazed the trail to freedom”.

Nujoma’s funeral has been attended by dignitaries from across Africa and the world, including representatives from the Nordic countries, which provided significant support to Namibia’s independence movement.

The Nordic countries have praised Nujoma’s leadership and legacy, with the Finnish ambassador to the United Nations describing him as a “great Namibian statesman” who played a crucial role in Namibia’s struggle for independence.

Nujoma’s commitment to pan-Africanism and regional integration was also recognized by the African Union, which praised his role in promoting unity and cooperation among African states.

In addition to his domestic and regional legacy, Nujoma also played a significant role in international affairs, serving as a key figure in the Non-Aligned Movement and the African National Congress.

Nujoma’s passing has also been marked by tributes from other African leaders, including Ghana’s president, who praised his role in promoting African unity and development.

Ghana has also honored Nujoma’s memory with a memorial service, which was attended by Ghanaian political figures and diplomats.

The memorial service was organized by the Namibian High Commission in Ghana and recognized Nujoma’s role in Namibia’s independence and Africa’s broader liberation struggles.

Nujoma’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of Africans, who are committed to promoting unity, development, and prosperity across the continent.

As Namibia bids farewell to its founding father, the country is also reflecting on its past, present, and future development. Nujoma’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, reconciliation, and leadership in promoting national development.

Nujoma’s commitment to democracy and human rights has also been recognized by international organizations, including the United Nations.

The UN has praised Nujoma’s role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Namibia and across the African continent.

Nujoma’s legacy extends beyond Namibia’s borders, inspiring a new generation of African leaders who are committed to promoting democracy, development, and human rights.

As the world bids farewell to Sam Nujoma, we remember his tireless commitment to African unity, development, and prosperity.

Nujoma’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of Africans.

The people of Namibia will deeply miss their founding father, but they will continue to draw inspiration from his life, legacy, and leadership.

Nujoma’s memory will live on through the many institutions, programs, and initiatives that he established during his presidency.

These initiatives include the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management, and the Sam Nujoma Foundation.

The Sam Nujoma Foundation is a charitable organization that aims to promote education, health, and economic development in Namibia.

Through these initiatives, Nujoma’s legacy will continue to promote development, prosperity, and unity in Namibia and across Africa.

As we bid farewell to Sam Nujoma, we honor his memory and legacy, and we recommit ourselves to promoting the values of unity, democracy, and development that he embodied.

Nujoma’s passing is a reminder that African leaders must continue to work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the continent.