Namibia’s founding president, Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma passed away on Saturday night at the age of 95, President Nangolo Mbumba announced on Sunday.
Nujoma, who had been hospitalised for the past three weeks due to ill health, died just before midnight in Windhoek.
In a statement, President Mbumba expressed deep sorrow at the loss of Namibia’s revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader.
“It is with utmost sorrow and sadness that I announce this morning of the 9th of February 2025 to the Namibian people, our African brothers and sisters, and the world at large, about the passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader, H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma,” Mbumba said.
Nujoma lived a long and consequential life, serving the people of Namibia with exceptional dedication.
He played a pivotal role in the country’s liberation struggle, leading the Namibian people through the darkest hours until the attainment of freedom and independence on 21 March 1990.
Nujoma’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom earned him a place in the hearts of many Namibians and Africans alike.
“Dr Nujoma provided maximum leadership to our nation and spared no effort to motivate each and every Namibian to build a country that would stand tall and proud among the nations of the world,” Mbumba said.
“In that vein, our venerable leader, Dr Nujoma did not only blaze the trail to freedom – but he also inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors.”
As Namibia mourns the loss of its founding father, President Mbumba urged the nation to take comfort in Nujoma’s unmatched leadership and extraordinary contributions to the liberation struggle, development and unity of the Namibian people.
A period of national mourning and burial arrangements will be announced after consultations with the Nujoma family.
Born on 12 May 1929 in the village of Etunda in Ongandjera, Nujoma became actively involved in the fight against colonial rule in the 1950s.
He founded the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in 1960, which became the driving force behind Namibia’s independence movement.
Under his leadership, SWAPO waged a determined struggle against South African apartheid rule, ultimately achieving independence for Namibia in 1990.
Nujoma served as Namibia’s first president from 1990 to 2005, during which time he oversaw the country’s transition to democracy and implemented numerous policies to promote economic growth and social development.
His legacy as a freedom fighter, statesman and visionary leader will continue to inspire future generations.
JN/APA