Online Reporter
Nduduzo Tshuma in Windhoek, Namibia
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa, who is also SADC chairperson, is set to arrive here on Friday for the burial of Namibia’s founding father and liberation struggle icon, Dr Sam Nujoma, who died early this month.
The revered revolutionary icon died at 95 in a Windhoek hospital on 8 February 2024 and has been hailed for his rich legacy at home and across the region.
A memorial service for the late Dr Nujoma will be held at the Independence Stadium on Friday, where President Mnangagwa, will be among the key speakers, before burial the next day at Namibia’s National Heroes’ Acre in the capital.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, Zimbabwean Ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura, said the President’s visit highlights the strong bilateral ties between the two countries, dating back to liberation struggle times.
“The President’s visit speaks to the deep relationship that exists between the two countries, a relationship rooted in the struggle for freedom that delivered the free and independent Namibia we have today, as well as the free and independent Zimbabwe we have today,” she said.
“It reflects the depth of our cooperation, which extends beyond politics to Government-level collaboration. It is, therefore, significant that the President is coming to join the Namibian nation at the memorial service on 28 February, which will be followed by the burial on 1 March.”
Amb Chaurura said Dr Nujoma’s death was a heavy blow to the Namibian people, coming just a year after the death of the country’s third President, Hage Geingob.
“You can feel it, you could tell from the way the news was received that it was profound, especially considering that President Nujoma was not only a former President but the founding father of Namibia.
“It is no wonder he has also been declared the father of the Namibian nation,” said Amb Chaurura.
“It has been a very difficult time for the people of Namibia, but the prevailing sentiment is that of continuing the struggle started by the late founding father. The people are determined not to betray the spirit of liberation ignited during the fight for independence.”
Amb Chaurura said Zimbabwe looked forward to deepening bilateral ties with Namibia, building on the solid foundation laid by their forebears and advancing beyond political freedom towards economic emancipation.
“Our cooperation with Namibia is strong, but we are working hard to ensure that we fully leverage our solid bilateral relations to enhance business and trade cooperation,” she said.
“We still have much work to do to achieve that goal, and we are grateful that Namibia has provided Zimbabwe with a Dry Port. This will help us realise our vision for regional integration, boosting trade and economic relations between the two countries and across the SADC region.”
Reacting to the late Dr Nujoma’s death, President Mnangagwa described the veteran nationalist, who led Namibia from 1990 to 2005, as “the last in an iconic generation of leaders of our liberation movements and nations of our Southern Africa region”.
He also hailed the liberation icon’s unwavering dedication to the liberation of Namibia and his commitment to the unity of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“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.
He acknowledged Dr Nujoma’s steadfast support for Zimbabwe, particularly during the Land Reform Programme, when he stood by Harare despite international pressure.
“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,” said the President.
He said Dr Nujoma’s legacy was that of a true Pan-Africanist, who championed the independence and sovereignty of African nations and that Africa must remain vigilant against “new challenges of resource-induced encroachments.”
