Botswana’s president Gideon Duma Boka has lauded late Founding President Sam Nujoma for his unwavering dedication to liberation, hailing him as a true hero whose selfless pursuit for freedom strengthened not only his country, but the unity of Africa as a whole. 

Boko paid a courtesy call to the Namibian High Commission in Gaborone recently to sign the book of condolences and recall the impact Nujoma had on Africa. 

“We are also mourning a departed African hero, a champion of the liberation of Namibia, who dedicated his life to this cause of liberating his country, a cause that is bigger and better than him,” said Boko after the signing. 

He added that Nujoma and others like him ensured that Africa is liberated, country by country, and he dedicated his entire life to this cause. 

“He built a democracy, and leaves that to us as a guiding legacy. The ties between Namibia and Botswana could not be stronger now, we are tied together by a shared history and commitment to the struggle for liberation, politically, economically, and in every other aspect of the entirety of the African continent,” said the Mahalapye-born human rights’ lawyer. 

“We are mourning, as we should, but we celebrate his life so worthy which is an abiding example to all of us, the whole of Botswana joins Namibia in celebrating this hero,” he indicated. 

Boko’s victory in November 2024 ended 58 years of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party, which had governed the landlocked country in Southern Africa since Botswana gained independence in 1966. 

He said the ties Botswana has with Namibia will continue based on the bilateral relations that exist and the shared commitment to growth and prosperity. 

The newly-appointed high commissioner of Namibia to Botswana, Elizabeth Kakukuru, said Nujoma stands as a monumental testament to the values of love, and the extraordinary commitment to the liberation struggle of Namibia will not be forgotten. 

“The founding president’s life is an embodiment of love, selflessness, dedication, commitment and unwavering sacrifices that he made for the love of his country and his people. He was a visionary leader who believed in unity, and adding the policy of national reconciliation,” she said. 

The diplomat stated that his legacy endures a shining example of leadership rooted in selfless service and commitment for the betterment of Namibia and Africa. -psiririka@nepc.com.na