Michael Liswaniso 

Edward Tenete

KATIMA MULILO – At exactly 10h15 on Sunday, the Y-9E military aircraft carrying the mortal remains of Founding President Sam Nujoma touched down at M’pacha Airport in Katima Mulilo. 

From the airport, a solemn convoy made its way through the town to the sports complex, where thousands had gathered to pay their final respects to the founding father. 

Along the procession route, mourners waved Namibian flags, while some displayed Swapo and People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) flags to honour Nujoma, who died at the age of 95. 

The partly cloudy morning made way for a sunny afternoon with temperatures soaring above 36 degrees Celsius, but despite the heat, residents turned out in large numbers to pay homage. 

From the welcoming melodies of different church and school choirs to the night vigil at the sports complex where the body lay in state, the residents of the Zambezi region ensured that they gave the country’s first president a befitting memorial. 

Speakers at the memorial service recounted the sacrifices made by veterans in the liberation struggle, as well as Nujoma’s role in the liberation struggle and his vision for the nation. 

Delivering a message on behalf of fellow veterans, former Minister of Health and Social Services Richard Kamwi described Nujoma as a beacon of hope for the nation. 

He said one of his major achievements in the Zambezi region in terms of food security was the Kalimbeza rice project that recently harvested 70 tonnes of Irga short-term rice variety. 

“To the Nujoma, Kondombolo and Mushimba families, I say you are not alone in this loss. We have lost a great statesman who saw no tribe, no colour, and no race in his people,” Kamwi said. 

On his part, Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu, who is also a veteran, said he met Nujoma in exile in December 1975 at Swapo’s Shatotwa camp in western Zambia, adding that he never wavered until independence was attained. 

“Let’s forge ahead where he left off, unite, and develop our country,” he said. Some political heads from neighbouring countries also attended to pay their last respects. 

Botswana was represented by Chobe District Commissioner Onalenna Sechele, while Zambia was represented by Sesheke’s District Commissioner, Alex Namenda. 

Namenda reflected on the historical ties between the people of Sesheke and Katima Mulilo, recalling how many battles of the liberation struggle were fought in the region and saying when something of this magnitude happens, it cannot be ignored. 

“You can imagine growing up hearing about Swapo and the name Nujoma. Many battles that were fought were fought here in Katima. When Namibia achieved independence, the people of Sesheke witnessed freedom fighters coming from other areas in Zambia, like Nyango and Kaoma, where Swapo had camps,” he said. 

He said hearing of Nujoma’s demise was disturbing, as he was the last icon standing from a crop of former presidents who liberated the southern part of Africa; hence, as a representative of the people of Sesheke, Namenda felt he had to pay homage at the memorial service. 

In Katima Mulilo, chief mourner President Nangolo Mbumba was represented by Urban and Rural Development minister Erastus Uutoni. 

Other prominent political figures who took to the podium included veteran politician and former Minister of Home Affairs, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, who delivered the eulogy on behalf of the family. 

Retired permanent secretary of education Alfred Ilukena delivered a message on behalf of the four traditional authorities in the Zambezi region. 

Nujoma, who died in Windhoek on 8 February 2025, will be laid to rest on 1 March 2025 at the Heroes’ Acre. -Nampa