Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
President Mnangagwa has described the relationship between Zimbabwe and Namibia as that of “twins”, deeply intertwined in history, culture and mutual respect.
Speaking after signing the book of condolences for Namibia’s founding President Dr Sam Nujoma yesterday at the Namibian Embassy in Harare, President Mnangagwa, who is the SADC Chairman, said the late revered Pan-Africanist had a huge impact in the region.
“We are saddened by the passing on of this great leader of Southern Africa. We, Zimbabwe, cherish his leadership. We were like twins, Zimbabwe and Namibia. So, we say to our brothers and sisters in Namibia we mourn with you,” said President Mnangagwa.
Cde Nujoma passed on early this month, leaving behind a legacy of leadership in the fight for independence in Namibia and Southern Africa, and his burial is scheduled for Saturday at the National Heroes Acre in the capital Windhoek.
Dr Nujoma served as Namibia’s first president after independence between 1990 and 2005.
In his condolence message issued soon after the announcement of the death of Namibia’s founding leader, President Mnangagwa described Dr Nujoma as “the last in an iconic generation of leaders of our liberation movements and nations of our Southern Africa region”.
“We hurt and grieve deeply at the passing on of this gallant freedom fighter and visionary icon who led and delivered Independence and nationhood to the Namibian people,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe and Namibia share strong historical ties, dating back to the liberation struggles of both nations.
President Mnangagwa acknowledged Dr Nujoma’s steadfast support for Zimbabwe, particularly during the Land Reform Programme, when he stood by Harare despite international pressure, mainly from the West.
“Zimbabwe will always remember and cherish Dr Nujoma’s principled and unconditional support as our nation faced concerted onslaught by vindictive countries of the West,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Dr Nujoma’s legacy was that of a true Pan-Africanist, who championed the independence and sovereignty of African nations and urged Africa to remain vigilant against “new challenges of resource-induced encroachments.”
Dr Nujoma’s demise came after the death in office of President Dr Hage Geingob on February 4 last year, compounding the nation’s grief.
President Mnangagwa expressed solidarity with the Namibian people during this difficult period.
“I have no doubt that these repeated tragic losses do not just test your nation; rather, they spur all Namibians on, as they rally together in even greater and stronger unity to move your nation forward,” he said.
On behalf of the Government, the ruling Zanu PF party and the people of Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa extended his “deepest, heartfelt condolences” to Namibian President Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the SWAPO party, the Namibian Government and the Nujoma family.
As Namibia prepares to bid farewell to its founding father, the legacy of Dr Nujoma as a liberation icon and Pan-African visionary remains deeply etched in the history of Southern Africa.
Bongani Ndlovu