Online Reporter
Cde Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first President, died over the weekend at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of unity among African people.
Condolence messages and eulogies have poured in following his death.
Cde Nujoma led the decades-long struggle for Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years.
Announcing Cde Nujoma’s passing, Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba praised Cde Nujoma as a leader who “heroically marshaled the Namibian people during the darkest hours of our liberation struggle.”
Namibia’s Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila recently led a cabinet meeting to discuss the funeral arrangements of Cde Nujoma.
“The public will be informed about any decisions that are taken by the President with regard to the programme,” Namibia’s presidential press secretary, Alfredo Hengari shared with the media.
Many African leaders have sent out condolence statements since the announcement of Cde Nujoma’s passing.
President Mnangagwa’s condolence message
President Mnangagwa joined other regional leaders in mourning Namibia’s founding leader, Dr Sam Nujoma, who died on Saturday, describing him as a towering figure of liberation whose legacy will continue to inspire generations across the African continent.
In a statement, the President hailed Dr Nujoma’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.
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.
“Zimbabwe will always remember and cherish Dr Nujoma’s principled and unconditional support as our nation faced a 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 that Africa must remain vigilant against “new challenges of resource-induced encroachments.”
President Ramaphosa’s condolence message
In a statement, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said Namibians have lost a leader of the revolution, who is inseparable from South Africa’s history of struggle and liberation.
He said Cde Nujoma Nujoma was an extraordinary freedom fighter who divided his revolutionary programme between Namibia’s own struggle against South African colonialism.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said, “President Nujoma’s leadership of freeing Namibia laid the foundation for the solidarity and partnership our two countries share today. A partnership that will continue to deepen as neighbours and friends.”
Zimbabwe National Assembly honours President Nujoma
The National Assembly on Tuesday observed a moment of silence to honour the late former Namibian President, Sam Nujoma, who died on Saturday.
President Nujoma (95) was one of the last surviving icons of his generation who fought against white colonial rule not only in the Sadc region but in Africa as a whole.
CCC legislator Ms Maureen Kademaunga also proposed that the Government declare a day of mourning in honour of the late former Namibian President and founding father.
Cde Nujoma to be buried in March
The late Namibian President Sam Nujoma, who died last week aged 95, will be laid to rest in a State funeral on March 1, the government said on Friday.
Cde Nujoma was the country’s first President after it won independence from South Africa in 1990.
He will be buried at the National Heroes Acre in the capital Windhoek, President Nangolo Mbumba said in the official gazette.
The weeks of mourning will climax with the funeral on the Saturday, which has been declared a national holiday.
Cde Nujoma’s body will be buried near former President Hage Geingob who died in office last year.
The eldest in a family of 10 children, Cde Nujoma was in hospital for three weeks before his death.
Cde Nujoma’s funeral will be a moment of national reflection, as Namibia honours the man who led it to sovereignty.
His contributions to independence, governance, and economic growth will be remembered. – barrons.com
Namibia’s period of mourning
Namibia has declared the 1st of March, the day of President Nujoma’s burial, as a public holiday.
The Southern African country has been in a period of mourning which started on the 9th of February and will last until Cde Nujoma is laid to rest.
Namibia’s President Nangolo Mbumba has directed that the flags be flown at half mast in the country and across its diplomatic missions abroad.
The remains of President Nujoma will be flown from Khomas region to seven regions around Namibia with processions to be conducted.
The seven areas include the Omusati, Oshana, Erongo, Kavango East, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa and Kharas region.
State memorial services will be held to allow the public to pay their last respects before the State funeral that is slated for 1 March at the Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek.
President signs Book of Condolences
Following the death of Namibia’s founding President, Cde Sam Nujoma earlier this month, President Mnangagwa signed the Book of Condolences at the Namibian Embassy in Harare this morning.
Cde Nujoma left a legacy of leadership in the fight for independence in Namibia and Southern Africa.
During his visit today, President Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over Cde Nujoma’s passing.
Cde Nujoma’s burial is scheduled for Saturday in Namibia.
