WINDHOEK, Feb 9 – Namibia is in mourning following the passing of Sam Nujoma, the nation’s first democratically elected president and a pivotal figure in the country’s struggle for independence. Nujoma, who led Namibia to freedom from apartheid South Africa, passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday after being hospitalized for medical treatment in recent weeks, according to an announcement by the Namibian government on Sunday.
A Leader Who Shaped Namibia’s Destiny
Nujoma became Namibia’s first president on March 21, 1990, the day the country officially gained independence. His leadership and contributions earned him the title of Founding Father of the Namibian Nation, a recognition formalized through a parliamentary act in 2005.
His tenure, spanning from 1990 to 2005, was marked by significant achievements, including the establishment of democratic institutions and efforts toward national reconciliation. However, his leadership also drew criticism, particularly over his strained relationship with the press, his hardline stance against homosexuality, and the constitutional amendment in 1998 that permitted him to run for a third term.
Despite his firm leadership style, Nujoma pursued a different land reform approach from neighboring Zimbabwe, opting for a willing buyer, willing seller model rather than forceful land seizures.
A Nation Pays Tribute
The Namibian government expressed deep sorrow over Nujoma’s passing, emphasizing his role in shaping the nation. “The Republic of Namibia stands in deep sorrow, as its very foundations have been deeply impacted,” stated an official government message shared on social media. “Dr. Nujoma did not only pave the way to freedom – he also inspired us to take control of our destiny and uphold the legacy of our ancestors.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Nujoma, recognizing his role in the broader liberation struggles of the region. “Dr. Sam Nujoma was a remarkable freedom fighter who not only led Namibia’s fight against South African rule but also contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa,” he stated.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, also honored Nujoma’s memory, describing him as one of Africa’s greatest revolutionary leaders and a symbol of bravery.
A Complex Legacy
Nujoma’s presidency was instrumental in shaping Namibia’s governance and political landscape. His leadership focused on national unity, encapsulated in the slogan One Namibia, One Nation. He often emphasized the value of unity, declaring that a nation working together for the common good of all its people would always succeed.
Political analyst and University of Namibia lecturer Ndumba Kamwanyah noted that while Nujoma laid a strong foundation for the nation, his leadership had its challenges. Kamwanyah noted that while his leadership played a crucial role in shaping Namibia’s independence and governance, it also had its shortcomings. “His authoritarian tendencies, particularly his approach toward the media and the 1999 Caprivi conflict, cast a shadow over his legacy.”
From Resistance to Presidency
Born in 1929 in a rural village in northwestern Namibia, Nujoma grew up during a time of South African colonial rule. His early years were spent herding cattle and attending a Finnish missionary school before he moved to Walvis Bay and later Windhoek, where he worked for the South African Railways.
His passion for justice led him to abandon his job and dedicate himself to the fight against apartheid. In the late 1950s, he became the leader of the Owambo People’s Organisation, which later evolved into the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO). He played a crucial role in resisting forced relocations in Windhoek, an act of defiance that led to his arrest.
In 1960, Nujoma fled into exile, traveling across Africa before reaching the United States, where he addressed the United Nations to demand Namibia’s independence. While in exile, he was appointed leader of SWAPO and established its armed wing. Under his command, a guerrilla war against South African rule commenced in 1966.
After decades of struggle, international pressure led to a United Nations-backed peace plan in 1978, though it would take another decade before an agreement was reached. In late 1989, Namibia held its first democratic elections, with SWAPO securing a majority. On March 21, 1990, Sam Nujoma was inaugurated as the country’s first president, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Namibia’s history.
Final Farewell
Nujoma’s contributions to Namibia’s independence and governance remain deeply ingrained in the country’s history. His leadership, resilience, and vision for a united Namibia continue to inspire generations. As the nation mourns his passing, his legacy as a revolutionary, statesman, and symbol of Namibia’s hard-fought freedom remains intact.