Andreas Thomas 

Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said the party was unprepared for the death of its founding leader, Founding President Sam Nujoma, despite his extended hospitalisation.

The longtime Swapo president died in a Windhoek hospital on Saturday.
In a statement on Sunday, Shaningwa said Nujoma worked tirelessly for Namibia’s freedom since the formation of Swapo in 1960.

“Although our founding president has not been well for the past weeks, nothing has prepared us for this sad news. Hence, we are deeply saddened by his passing.
“A giant of our struggle for freedom and independence has fallen. His roaring voice has gone silent forever. 

As president of Swapo from its birth on 19 April 1960, President Nujoma has been the embodiment and inspiring face of the liberation struggle for Namibia’s independence and the right to self-determination,” she said in a statement.
From the day Swapo was formed, Nujoma tirelessly championed the cause of Namibia’s freedom and independence, she said.

“His voice echoed in world capitals, mobilising political, military, logistical and diplomatic support for the liberation of our beloved country. It was through Nujoma’s voice that the world came to understand our quest for freedom and independence,” she added.

Shaningwa said the international community rallied behind the Namibian people through Swapo, culminating in the United Nations recognising Swapo as the sole and authentic representative of the Namibian people.At independence in 1990, Swapo, through Nujoma, adopted the policy of national reconciliation, the bedrock of the peace and stability enjoyed today, said Shaningwa.

“This is a sad day in the history of our party and country. May we all gather strength as we mourn and celebrate the life of the legend of our revolution,” she remarked. 

-Nampa