Tributes have poured in following the passing of the first president of independent Namibia and former SWAPO leader, Sam Nujoma at the weekend.
According to the Namibian presidency, Nujoma passed away on Saturday night at the age of 95 following three weeks in hospital.
Nujoma has been hailed as Namibia’s “founding father” and a revolutionary leader after guiding Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has since offered his deepest condolences to the government and people of the Republic of Namibia and extended his sympathies to the Founding First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Kovambo Nujoma, and the broader Nujoma and Kondombolo Family.
The passing of Njumo comes 12 months following the passing of President Hage Geingob, who served as the third president of Namibia from 2015 until his death in February 2024.
“As neighbours and compatriots, South Africa is united in grief with Namibians who have lost the leader of the Namibian revolution, who is inseparable from our own history of struggle and liberation.” added Ramaphosa
In a statement, Ramaphosa said Dr Sam Nujoma was an extraordinary freedom fighter who divided his revolutionary programme between Namibia’s own struggle against South African colonialism and the liberation of South Africa from apartheid.
“In exile and on home soil, he led the Ovambo People’s Organisation, the South West Africa People’s Organisation and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia against the seemingly unshakeable might of colonial and apartheid authorities and forces.”
The Presidency says Nujoma inspired the Namibian people to pride and resistance that belied the size of the population. At the same time, Namibia’s attainment of independence from South Africa in 1990 ignited in us the inevitability of our own liberation.
“May his soul rest in peace and may our neighbours find healing in his legacy.”
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