Online Reporter
MULTITUDES of people are making their way to the Namibian National Heroes Acre for the burial of the country’s founding father Dr Sam Nujuma.
Dr Nujoma, who led Namibia from independence in 1990 to 2005, died in a Windhoek hospital on February 8.
Sadc chairperson, President Mnangagwa will join fellow Heads of State at th4 burial of Dr Nujoma, the last surviving founding father in the region.
Speaking at a memorial service for the liberation icon at the Independence Stadium here yesterday, President Mnangagwa described Dr Nujoma’s death as a huge loss to Africa and beyond. The President said the liberation icon’s selfless efforts and unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and freedom for his people and all of humanity would remain etched “in our collective memory for posterity.”
“In the late Dr Nujoma, we had more than just a political figure, he was a larger-than-life revolutionary icon and a shining beacon of hope for the peoples of Africa. His astute, exemplary, and consistent leadership during our struggles for independence laid critical building blocks for the democratic culture that not only Namibia but the whole of SADC cherishes so dearly to this day,” said the President.
“As the leader of SWAPO, he inspired countless individuals to rise against colonial oppression and to fight for their birth right, freedom, independence, and dignity. His vision for a truly independent and liberated African people transcended borders, uniting people from across Southern Africa.”
Chronicle Assistant Editor Nduduzo Tshuma is in Namibia and will give us live updates of the event while Presidential Photographer Tawanda Mudimu will provide pictures and videos.
Dignitaries arrive ahead of Dr Nujoma burial
VARIOUS dignitaries have started arriving at the Namibian National Heroes Acre ahead of the burial of Dr Nujoma.
Among those that have since arrived are Malawi Vice President Michael Usi, former South African President Thabo Mbeki and former Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe.
Zimbabwe Foreign Affairs Minister Professor Amon Murwira and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Namibia Melody Chaurura have also arrived at the shrine.
Dr Nujoma’s widow Mrs Kuvomba Nujoma and members of the family have since arrived at the Acre.
Others who have also arrived are; Former Botswana President Ian Khama, Vice President of Ghana, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Cuban Communiste Paryh representative Hernandez arrives, Kenyan Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano and former DRC President Joseph Kabila.
President Mnangagwa arrives for burial of Dr Nujoma
SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa, has arrived at Namibian National Heroes’ Acre to attend the burial of Namibia’s founding father, Dr Sam Nujoma. The solemn event is being held at the national shrine, a facility inspired by Zimbabwe’s own revered Heroes’ Acre, which honours the nation’s liberation heroes.
President Mnangagwa joins other leaders from across the region to pay tribute to Dr. Nujoma, a towering Pan-African figure who played a pivotal role in Namibia’s independence. The ceremony reflects the profound respect and solidarity shared among African nations for their liberation icons.
President Mbumba delivers emotional eulogy at Dr Nujoma’s Funeral
A solemn and emotional atmosphere has enveloped the National Shrine today as Namibia gathered to pay final respects to its founding father, Dr Sam Nujoma.
His casket, draped in the national flag, has arrived at the National Heroes Acre escorted by high-ranking officials, led by President Dr Nangolo Mbumba, who delivered a powerful eulogy honouring the life and legacy of the liberation hero.
Taking to the podium, Dr Mbumba addressed mourners with heartfelt words, emphasizing Dr. Nujoma’s immense contributions to Namibia’s independence and nation-building efforts.
“We have gathered in these sacred grounds to bury a distinguished son of Namibia,” he began, his voice resonating with pride and sorrow.
Dr Mbumba praised Dr Nujoma for his unwavering dedication to the country, describing him as a leader who “completed his mission with distinction” by gifting Namibia the ultimate prize- freedom.
“He gave Namibia the gift of freedom,” Dr Mbumba declared, commending Dr Nujoma’s sacrifices and commitment to the liberation struggle.
Reflecting on the years of struggle and triumph, Dr Mbumba saluted Dr Nujoma for his exemplary leadership both before and after independence.
“Those who served under Dr. Nujoma during and after the liberation will remember how he confidently led from the front,” he said.
Dr Mbumba recounted the pivotal role Dr Nujoma played in dismantling apartheid colonialism. “We fought under your command and removed the face of apartheid colonialism forever,” he said, addressing the late leader directly. He described Dr. Nujoma as “the ultimate statesman and Commander in Chief,” adding that Namibia is proud to call him “the son of the Namibian soil.”
“The entire State of Namibia stands together with Dr. Nujoma’s family in this difficult time,” he said.
Dr Nujoma has been buried. Here members of the security services hoist the national flag high marking the end of the Namibia’s period of mourning
President Mnangagwa departs Namibia after honouring Liberation Icon Dr Sam Nujoma
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has left the Namibian National Heroes Acre for the Hosea Kutako International Airport from where he will fly back home in Harare.
The Sadc chairperson earlier in the day joined fellow Heads of State at Namibia’s National shrine to bid farewell to the country’s founding father and liberation icon Dr Sam Nujoma who died on February 8 last month.
Also at the burial was AU chairperson and Angolan leader President Lorenco, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, among other dignitaries from the African continent and beyond.
Thousands of Namibians also turned out at the National shrine for the burial of their liberator. Namibian President and chief mourner Dr Nangolo Mbumba said Dr Nujoma completed his life mission with distinction, leaving the country with the gift of independence and freedom.
The previous day at a memorial service for Dr Nujoma, President Mnangagwa said the Namibian founding father will be remembered for his fierce fight for justice and equality not only for Namibia but Africa and beyond.
President Mnangagwa departs Namibia
President Mnangagwa has departed Namibia for Zimbabwe following his attendance at the memorial service and burial of Namibia’s founding father and liberation icon, Dr Sam Nujoma, in Windhoek.
The President joined other Heads of State and dignitaries at Namibia’s National Heroes Acre to pay his final respects to Dr Nujoma, who was celebrated for his pivotal role in Namibia’s liberation and his contributions to Africa’s fight for justice and equality.
President Mnangagwa was seen off at Hosea Kutako International Airport by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura.
His presence at the ceremony highlighted the strong bonds of solidarity and shared history between Zimbabwe and Namibia.
