Namibia is mourning the loss of its founding president, Sam Nujoma, who died at the age of 95 in Windhoek, the country’s current leader, President Nangolo Mbumba, announced.
Nujoma, a towering figure in Namibia’s liberation struggle, led the country to independence from South Africa in 1990 and became its first president. He served in the role until 2005 after helping establish the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) in the 1960s.
He had been hospitalized for the past three weeks due to an illness but was unable to recover, President Mbumba said in a statement, expressing “utmost sorrow and sadness.”
A Legacy of Liberation and Nation-Building
Nujoma played a pivotal role in ensuring peace and stability after independence from South Africa’s apartheid regime. His national reconciliation policy encouraged the white minority community to remain in the country, where they continue to play a significant role in sectors such as agriculture.
He also championed women’s and children’s rights, introducing laws requiring fathers to provide for children born out of wedlock.
President Mbumba described Nujoma as a leader who “inspired us to rise to our feet and become masters of this vast land of our ancestors.”
Global Tributes Pour In
World leaders and African statesmen have paid tribute to Nujoma’s legacy:
✅ King Charles III expressed “profound sadness”, praising Nujoma’s commitment to freedom and democracy.
✅ Kenya’s President William Ruto described him as a “visionary leader dedicated to Namibia’s liberation and development.”
✅ South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed him as an “extraordinary freedom fighter”, noting his role in ending apartheid in both Namibia and South Africa.
✅ AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat called him “the epitome of courage”, never wavering in his vision for a free Namibia and a united Africa.
The “Father of the Nation”
Following his retirement from the presidency in 2005, Nujoma remained active in politics, leading Swapo until 2007. Many Namibians continue to remember him fondly as the “father of the nation.”
A visibly emotional President Mbumba visited Nujoma’s home to console his 91-year-old widow, Kovambo Theopoldine Katjimune, and the grieving family.
Namibia’s Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, set to become the country’s next president in March, credited Nujoma’s leadership for laying the foundation of a free and united Namibia.
Funeral Arrangements Pending
The Namibian government has yet to announce funeral details for the revered statesman. However, given his monumental contributions to the nation, he is expected to receive a state funeral befitting his status as Namibia’s first president and liberation hero.
