Eba Kandovazu 

Local businessman Erastus ‘Chicco’ Shapumba has expressed sorrow upon hearing the news of Founding President Sam Nujoma’s death.

“I spent a lot of time with him. I would visit him both at his farm and his Windhoek home. I often gifted him fruits, and sourced caregivers for him. Since January, I have been checking up on him, calling his family members to ask how he was doing. 

“They informed me that they travelled to Windhoek – that his health was deteriorating. They said he had been in and out of the hospital but assured me there was no need for me to come to Windhoek to see him. They said they would let me know if they needed anything,” Shapumba said.

He stated that he was attending a wedding in Walvis Bay when news of Nujoma’s passing broke.

 Nujoma passed away on Saturday at a local Windhoek hospital. 

He was 95 years old.

“I am deeply grateful to his caregivers for the care they provided. He fought a long battle. Despite his age, the team took care of him with such love and compassion. I urge everyone to remain united during this period of mourning, and to keep his family in their prayers. 

“Tatekulu fought hard for this country, and sacrificed his youth. As someone very close to him, I am thankful for the lessons I learned from him. His wisdom should inspire everyone. 

“Thanks to his guidance and mentorship I was able to contribute to my community and bring services to the people. I remember advocating for the construction of Okahao’s first hospital at the Indira Gandhi [Health Centre]. I took 200 cement bags there myself,” Shapumba added.

He has since urged leaders to emulate the founding father’s vision of improving the nation by supporting and empowering those who are working hard to build it.

-Nampa