Sundaymail Editor
Nduduzo Tshuma in WINDHOEK, Namibia
President Mnangagwa joined several serving and former Heads of State and Government yesterday at the burial of Namibia’s founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, who was interred in a specially constructed mausoleum at the country’s Heroes Acre.
The SADC chairperson laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Dr Nujoma as he bid farewell to the Pan-Africanist leader who liberated and led Namibia from independence in 1990 until 2005.
Dr Nujoma passed away on February 8 in Windhoek.
He received a hero’s send-off, as thousands gathered at the Heroes Acre to honour the liberation icon who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality in his country, Africa and beyond.
Dr Nujoma’s mausoleum is at the highest point of the Heroes Acre. He initiated construction of the Heroes Acre following his 1997 visit to Zimbabwe for an African Union summit.
During that visit, Dr Nujoma was inspired by the architectural design of Zimbabwe’s National Heroes Acre in Harare and decided to implement the same concept in his home country.
As his bronze coffin was lowered, he was accorded a 21-gun salute and a fly-past by the Namibian military, signalling the end of an era for the founding fathers in the region, who include the late Presidents Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe), Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Kenneth Kaunda (Zambia), Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) and Samora Machel (Mozambique).
African Union chairperson and Angolan President João Lourenço, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane and Eswatini Prime Minister Russel Dlamini attended the burial.
Also in attendance were former presidents Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ian Khama of Botswana and Tarja Halonen of Finland.
Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria were represented by their vice-presidents, while former first ladies Grace Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Ana Paula dos Santos of Angola also paid their last respects.
Sister parties from the region, including the ruling ZANU PF, as well as representatives from across the continent and beyond, were present.
Addressing a memorial service for Dr Nujoma at the Independence Stadium on Friday, President Mnangagwa reflected on his encounters with the statesman, describing him as a fountain of wisdom.
“I was personally privileged to work alongside the late statesman and African icon, Dr Nujoma,” he said.
“He was a wealth of wisdom. His ideological depth and understanding of a wide array of African and global issues were both fascinating and inspirational.”
Dr Nujoma was one of the most vocal opponents of the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western countries following the Land Reform Programme aimed at addressing colonial injustices.
“His humility and unassuming demeanour, compassion and steadfastness were qualities that inspired all who knew him,” added President Mnangagwa.
“He taught us that leadership is not merely about power, but about service to the people, with integrity, honour, sacrifice and humility.”
The sweltering heat did not deter the celebratory mood at the Heroes Acre as crowds paid their last respects to Dr Nujoma.
Addressing the mourners, Namibian President Dr Nangolo Mbumba described Dr Nujoma as the most distinguished son of the soil, a giant among leaders and a revolutionary icon.
“Although our hearts remain laden with grief, we take solace in the fact that President Sam Nujoma, who will now rest among his fellow illustrious heroes and heroines, has completed his mission with distinction — fulfilling his destiny and leaving behind the most precious gift of freedom and independence for the people of Namibia,” he said.
Dr Mbumba saluted the late Dr Nujoma for a life well lived in service to Namibia, the SADC region and Africa.
“We fought under your command and we won the liberation struggle, forever removing apartheid colonialism from the face of Namibia. Indeed, we are, in your own words, ‘now the masters of our own destiny,'” said Dr Mbumba.
“May your legacy of dedication and hard work become a source of strength for the entire Nujoma family, as well as the entire Namibian nation, as we continue to uphold your command to maintain unity of purpose and fulfil your mission of improving the quality of life for the people of Namibia to the level of their counterparts in the developed world.”
President Mnangagwa returned home last night.
He was received at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, senior Government officials and service chiefs.
Online Reporter