THE LEGACY of Namibia’s Founding Father

The 8th of February will forever be a day of remembrance for the Namibian nation – a day of profound sorrow that shook both the country and the world. It was the day the nation learned of the passing of its founding president and father, Dr Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma.

In his honour, celebratory events have been temporarily suspended, memorial services have been held across the country, and messages of condolences and tributes have poured in as mourners pay tribute to his enduring legacy. Dr Nujoma passed away at the age of 95. He remains one of the most iconic figures in Namibian history, a revolutionary leader whose vision and resilience shaped the nation’s destiny. As the founding president and father of the Namibian nation, Dr Nujoma led the country from colonial rule to independence, laying the foundation for democracy and development. His legacy endures in the political, social and economic fabric of Namibia.

Announcing his passing, President Nangolo Mbumba said the founding father lived a long and consequential life during which he served the people of his beloved country exceptionally well. “As founding president, His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma provided maximum leadership to our nation and spared no effort to motivate each and every Namibian to build a country that would stand tall and proud among the nations of the world,” said Mbumba.

EARLY YEARS

Born on 12 May 1929 in Etunda, in the Omusati Region, Dr Nujoma was raised in a rural setting, where he witnessed firsthand the injustices of the South African apartheid regime. His early exposure to oppression fuelled his resolve to fight for freedom. He left school early and moved to Walvis Bay in search of work, eventually becoming politically active in the labour movement. Dr Nujoma co-founded the Ovamboland People’s Organisation (OPO) in 1959, which later evolved into the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO). As SWAPO’s first president, he played a central role in mobilising Namibians against colonial rule, both domestically and internationally.

LIBERATION STRUGGLE AND EXILE

Faced with increasing oppression, Dr Nujoma went into exile in 1960, spearheading Namibia’s armed struggle for independence. He tirelessly lobbied international organisations, including the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), to garner support for Namibia’s freedom. For nearly three decades, Dr Nujoma worked alongside global allies, including Cuba, the Soviet Union and frontline African states, to push for Namibia’s independence. His diplomatic efforts culminated in the UNsupervised transition that led to Namibia’s first democratic elections in 1989.

Namibia formally gained independence on 21 March 1990, with Dr Nujoma sworn in as the country’s first president. His presidency prioritised national reconciliation, economic stability and infrastructural development. He implemented policies to address inequalities caused by apartheid, including land redistribution and education reforms.

Dr Nujoma served as president of Namibia for three terms. He stepped down in 2005 and paved the way for a smooth democratic transition, handing over the presidency to Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, the second president of the Republic of Namibia. Dr Nujoma’s tenure was marked by efforts to unify Namibia’s diverse communities, strengthen regional cooperation and position the country as a key player in African politics.

The late founding father remained an influential figure in Namibian politics even after retirement, advocating for Pan-Africanism and youth empowerment. His contributions to Namibia’s independence and development earned him numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates and international recognition. His autobiography, Where Others Wavered , offers insights into his journey from a herdsman to a statesman, cementing his place in history as a resilient and visionary leader. Dr Sam Nujoma’s impact on Namibia is undeniable. His leadership during the liberation struggle and post-independence era has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

Maggie Forcelledo Paz

“As founding president, His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma provided maximum leadership to our nation and spared no effort to motivate each and every Namibian to build a country that would stand tall and proud among the nations of the world.”

– President Nangolo Mbumba