By Petronella Sibeene
WINDHOEK
It was all excitement at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura at the weekend as thousands of Swapo supporters flocked to bid farewell to Dr Sam Nujoma, former president of the ruling party.
Songs and messages of support and words of appreciation poured out as speakers took turns to address the audience.
The rally did not only attract several high-ranking Swapo members but also diplomats and party supporters.
Menjam Nghidipo (18) said she was at the rally to get direction from Swapo leaders about the party’s future in light of the latest developments in Namibia’s political arena.
“I am a Swapo supporter. I want to be informed about the outcome of the Congress and also to say goodbye to Nujoma, a true leader. He did so much for us, hands up for him, power to him,” she said.
Fifty-nine-year-old Ndatililka Haufiku said he was at the stadium to bid farewell to the greatest man in Namibia – Nujoma. He further wanted to bear witness to the acceptance of comradeship and transfer of power to Pohamba as new Swapo Party president.
“Swapo freed Namibia and even when Nujoma has stepped down, we remain at peace because we know we have been left in very capable hands,” he added.
Other supporters were not so vocal about where their loyalties lie. Laimi Gorases said it was a big day because she was finally going to see Swapo’s two “big men”, Nujoma and Pohamba.
“I don’t have any favourites. I just support Swapo,” she said.
Security was tight, with several roads around the stadium blocked. People entering the venue had to go through metal detectors. Interestingly, it was not only the men in uniform who were alert. The ordinary people were also suspicious of anyone who carried a pen and paper – lest they were recruiting people for rival parties.
The rally attracted more than 5 000 people.
By 11h00 the stadium was half full with supporters dressed in Swapo Party colours – green, blue and red.
As the multitude waited for the official programme to start at 14h00, the famous Ndilimani Dance Troupe entertained the crowd with brilliant sounds taking the audience back to the days of the liberation struggle.
The scorching sun had no effect on many people who danced and waved party flags at the same time chanting: “Mannetjie”.
Ndilimani’s performance of the fifth song Vanhu Mwapatana from its latest album coincided with the arrival of Simon Mzee Kaukungwa at the stadium. From afar, one could sense the patriotic spirit in the white-bearded Mzee as he moved his aging body dancing to Ndilimani sounds.
For some time, the band kept the people’s eyes glued as the four dancing queens gyrated on the stage.
About 30 minutes before the official programme, Tunakie added the traditional flavour to the stage.
And then Libertina Amathila in her capacity as a member of the Swapo Central Committee welcomed the crowd.
Pleasantly surprised by the turnout, she confessed that the last time she saw such a crowd was in March 1990.
“This shows that Swapo Party is re-born,” she said.
In no time, Swapo’s newly elected secretary general, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, arrived to a cheering crowd.
Other Cabinet ministers including the Minister of Health and Social Services, Richard Kamwi, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Albert Kawana, Minister of Safety and Security, Peter Tsheehama, and Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Abraham Iyambo, also arrived.
Amathila then announced the arrival of the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation. When the white S500 Mercedes drove into the stadium, the crowd went ‘berserk’ with excitement as they cheered, with women ululating and Ndilimani singing Sema Ulipeni (Sam where are you).
Cameras flashed as the press also wanted to capture the magic moment.
A few minutes after Nujoma’s arrival, President Pohamba accompanied by the First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba also arrived. Nujoma and the former first lady Kovambo Nujoma, members of the Central Committee and the Politburo, welcomed the Swapo Party President and the First Lady.
With Nujoma dressed in a suit striped in party colours and Pohamba also in a party shirt, the duo accompanied by other Swapo members saluted the crowd by punching their fists in the air – with the mannetjie symbol.
The national and Swapo Party anthems were performed and that signified the beginning of the official programme.
Elijah Ngurare, Swapo Party Youth League Secretary delivered a message on behalf of the party’s youth. In his remarks he poured out the young people’s appreciation for Nujoma’s leadership, self-sacrifice, courage, dedication and the passing of moral values for generations to come.
The man of the moment, Nujoma, then addressed the masses as they listened attentively to his message full of words of wisdom.
The Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, Rosalia Nghidinwa, recited a poem for Nujoma, calling him the captain of the ship.
The outgoing Swapo Party president was presented with gifts from the Swapo Party Women’s Council and other members of the party pledged a Simmental or Brahman bull.
President Pohamba was next on the programme and talked of the democratic elections during the congress. He introduced the new members of the Central Committee and Politburo, saying those elected would sail the ship for the next five years.
President Pohamba’s address completed the formal part of the programme.