SWAKOPMUND – In a bittersweet tale, the Erongo region will bid a farewell to Founding President Sam Nujoma at the iconic Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay.
It was at this very place where, on 1 March 1994, he officially received the town back from apartheid South African rule.
This marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey to independence.
In a poignant turn of history, this goodbye comes full circle in a town where Nujoma once laboured as a young railway worker, long before he led the nation to independence. Coincidently, he will be laid to rest on the same day that Walvis Bay was restored to Namibia’s sovereignty.
This closes the last chapter of a life dedicated to the country’s freedom and service.
His leadership was not only instrumental in the liberation struggle of Namibia but also for the reintegration of Walvis Bay.
His connection to the Erongo region runs deep – both in history and in his personal life.
It was in Walvis Bay where he honed his political awareness before moving to Windhoek and later into exile to fight for Namibia’s independence.
After independence, he often returned to Walvis Bay and Henties Bay, making Erongo his second home.
Nujoma, who died on 8 February, will be honoured with a statue for his contribution to Namibia’s freedom. The statue will be unveiled next Wednesday in Swakopmund, funded by Rössing Uranium.
Erongo governor Neville Andre yesterday said the region is deeply honoured to bid him farewell in the very place where he cemented Namibia’s sovereignty over Walvis Bay.
“His contribution must never be forgotten, as he leaves behind a legacy of courage, resilience and unwavering dedication to the freedom and development of Namibia,” Andre said on Wednesday.
Memorial services
Namport will open a series of memorial services, with the maritime industry hosting a memorial service at The Blue Ocean today at 12h00.
On Saturday, moments of reflection will be observed through processions in different towns, allowing residents to pay homage to Nujoma.
Also on the same day, memorial lights, we will switch on in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to represent Nujoma’s legacy.
The region will then proceed with a Joint Church Service on Sunday at 15h00 at the Hosiana Church Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay.
Schools in the region will have the opportunity to host their memorial service on 24 February.
The region’s main memorial service will take place next week Tuesday at the Kuisebmond Stadium at 14h00.
“Nujoma’s body will arrive at the Walvis Bay International Airport early in the morning. We urge all residents to line up in the streets to honour him,” Andre appealed.
The business community will honour Nujoma on 27 February at the Atlantic Hotel at 18h00.
Andre encouraged the private sector and local authorities to put up billboards and posters in their respective localities depicting Nujoma with a message.
“A book of condolence was also open today at my office, while constituency offices and municipalities will open condolence books today for the public to share messages with the family,” the governor said.
He said Nujoma was not just a leader but the embodiment of our struggle for freedom and the architect of our nation’s independence.
“Hence, let us come together as a region and nation to celebrate his life, honour his legacy and ensure his vision for a united and prosperous Namibia lives on,” he appealed.
-edeklerk@nepc.com