TRIBUTES TO THE FOUNDING PRESIDENT

Dr Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding President and Father of the Namibian nation, passed away on 8 February 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy. Nujoma led Namibia’s struggle for liberation and became the country’s first head of state.

Marx Itamalo met with a few Namibians in the central north who shared their tributes to the late Dr Nujoma and the legacy he left behind.

Maria Emilio

Entrepreneur

The founding president was an asset to the nation. He sacrificed his life for the total independence of our country. He was the most respected figure in Namibia regarding the liberation struggle and was highly admired in Africa and worldwide. He also brought us a lot of development in the country. May his soul rest in peace.

Robert Haufiku

Computer technician

I am a born-free, and I have never met the Founding Father in person. But I have followed and read his history, and I know he was a great man with massive leadership skills. Dr Nujoma went into exile at a young age, leading the struggle for liberation. He also contributed to the country's economic development and established economic and diplomatic ties with many progressive governments worldwide. Young people should emulate him and try to live up to his values.

Matheus Nekongo

School principal

This is sad news indeed. His Excellency Sam Nujoma was a revolutionary leader known by all persons of all ages across the land of the brave and indeed in the whole of Africa and around the world. His legacy and qualities are worth emulating, and he inspires me a lot in my current roles as an educator, a school leader, and a political aspirant. His voice was admirable, as it was always brave and commanding. We wish him a good rest.

John Nambinga

Photographer

I would like to pay my tribute to the Founding Father by thanking him for what he has done for the country. One project that was his idea and that stands out is the railway project. He made sure the railway came to the north, and he used to volunteer to work with the people. It was something unusual for many leaders to do. He was also responsible for setting up irrigation projects in many regions to feed the nation. Rest in peace, Commander.

Vistorina Nhoni

Hairstylist

We are speechless. A leader of Sam Nujoma’s calibre is yet to be born. True, selfless, compassionate, and revolutionary leaders are rare; Nujoma was one of them. Imagine leaving your job and country to fight for your people's and country's freedom, living in difficult circumstances. He was not only a hero to us Namibians but to other oppressed people of Africa and the world. It is not only Namibians who are mourning and celebrating the life of this legendary and venerable leader but the whole world. Let us keep his legacy for future generations.