Isabel Bento 

WALVIS BAY – The late Founding President Sam Nujoma’s role in the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia was lauded at the Erongo regional memorial service held at the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay on Tuesday. 

In his speech, retired politician and representative of the chief mourner Ben Amathila, praised Nujoma for his leadership, resilience, and strategic foresight in securing Namibia’s sovereignty. 

Amathila, a veteran of the liberation struggle, detailed the political manoeuvring which was required to reclaim the strategic port, which South Africa had retained even after Namibia’s independence in 1990. 

“Nujoma saw the danger in allowing South Africa to keep Walvis Bay. It would have created another Guantanamo Bay-like situation, where Namibia would be independent but still controlled economically,” he stated. 

Amathila noted that early negotiations with South Africa were filled with difficulty, but Nujoma remained unwavering. 

“His strategy was to secure independence first, and then focus on reclaiming Walvis Bay through diplomatic means. He sent trusted lieutenants to engage in joint administration efforts, gathering intelligence on South Africa’s true intentions,” he said. 

Erongo governor, Neville Andre echoed Amathila sentiments, describing Nujoma’s leadership as instrumental in uniting Namibia and ensuring its territorial integrity. 

“We are a small nation surrounded by economic and military giants and Nujoma always emphasised unity because he knew that division would leave us vulnerable,” he added. 

Andre praised the overwhelming show of respect and love from the people of Erongo, who lined the streets despite the rain to pay their last respects. 

“It was impressive to see young people, the business community, and ordinary Namibians coming together to bid farewell to our father,” he remarked. 

This was the sixth of the seven regional memorial services planned across the country. 

The last memorial service was held in Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas region yesterday, after which the late president’s remains will be returned to Windhoek, where a memorial service will be held at the Independence Stadium tomorrow. The casket will then be taken to Parliament Gardens, where the body will lie in state until 6h00, before Nujoma is laid to rest at the Heroes’ Acre on Saturday. -Nampa