A Legacy of Vision and Unity

My Reflections on H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma

The passing of H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and Father of the Nation, marks the end of an era. A towering figure in our history, he was a leader of unwavering resolve, a statesman of global repute, and a man whose dreams shaped the Namibia we see today. I had the privilege of engaging with President Nujoma on a one-on-one basis, and this afforded me the rare privilege of witnessing his remarkable leadership, vision, and deep love for our country.

As a child, I “knew” of President Nujoma through the stories of his heroism, through the radio broadcasts that carried his voice, through my activism and engagement with the comrades from the internal structures of SWAPO and through the admiration he commanded across Namibia. Yet, my first

encounter with him in person was on the day he announced his first cabinet in 1990. By some fortune, I found myself in the same building, and I had the rare opportunity to shake the hand of the man I had revered for so long. In that moment, I felt the presence of a leader who carried the weight of an entire nation’s hopes and dreams on his shoulders.

Years later, when I took up the role of CEO at Namport, we got to know each other on a personal level. He was immensely proud of the work we were doing at the Port of Walvis Bay, recognising its potential as a key driver of Namibia’s economic growth. His belief that our port was one of Africa’s finest was not just rhetoric; he was deeply invested in its development. His passion for infrastructure and connectivity was unparalleled, and he saw the Port of Walvis Bay as a gateway that could transform Namibia’s role in regional and global trade.

His commitment to reconciliation was another defining aspect of his leadership. Namibia, emerging from a history of division and conflict, needed a unifying force.

President Nujoma was not a man of idle words. He led with action, commitment, and an unwavering belief in his vision. One of the most powerful examples of this was his campaign to extend Namibia’s railway to Oshikango. His leadership was not merely directive; he actively participated in the physical labour, rallying government, businesses, and ordinary citizens alike to contribute to the project. Every weekend, when time allowed, he was there, demonstrating his conviction that Namibians could and must build their own future.

His commitment to reconciliation was another defining aspect of his leadership. Namibia, emerging from a history of division and conflict, needed a unifying force. President Nujoma embodied that force, preaching and practising unity. The ‘One Namibia, One Nation’ mantra he championed was not just a slogan; it was a philosophy that he instilled in all Namibians. His leadership ensured that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we could stand together as a single, united people.

My interactions with President Nujoma were always filled with wisdom, encouragement, and lots of learning. One such moment came when he visited Walvis Bay after his retirement. Out of the blue, I received a call to come to the home of Uncle Bastos, one of his close friends. When I arrived, the Founding Father was there, eager to be updated on the developments at the port.

During that visit, I was introduced to a delicacy (cocochas) I had never heard of before. It is a component found in the head of a hake fish. It was a dish he enjoyed greatly, and to this day, every time I visit Anchors Restaurant in Walvis Bay, and enjoy that delicacy, I am reminded of that afternoon, of his warmth, and of his love for simple Namibian traditions.

Another unforgettable moment was during a strategic planning workshop I held with my executive team from Namport in Henties Bay. President Nujoma happened to be in Henties Bay during that time, and I called his Senior Special Assistant, Cde. John Nauta, to ask if the Founding Father might be available to come to the venue where we had the strategic planning session and say a few words of wisdom and encouragement to the EXCO team. Without hesitation, he arrived, speaking