Limba Mupetami
Steven Klukowski
//Kharas governor Aletha Frederick has described late Founding President Sam Nujoma as a revolutionary and exemplary statesman. Yesterday’s memorial service was held in his honour at J. Stephanus Stadium in Keetmanshoop.
Delivering the welcoming remarks, Frederick quoted renowned orator and writer John C. Maxwell, who once said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” She emphasised that Nujoma embodied those qualities. “He understood whom to approach, and how to mobilise support for this cause. Through his strategic contacts, he successfully garnered the essential resources and backing required to achieve our ultimate goal: the liberation of Namibia from the oppressive grip of the fascist and racist apartheid regime,” she said.
She highlighted the immense sacrifices Nujoma and others endured in pursuit of independence.
“This freedom, this Namibia we call our home, did not come on a silver platter. Sacrifices were made. Many brave men and women lost their lives. Nujoma and countless Namibians left this country because circumstances became unbearable.
Apartheid and imperialist forces persecuted them, forcing them into exile in search of solutions to liberate us and restore our dignity”, Frederick said, describing Nujoma as a pivotal leader who carried forward the torch ignited by Namibia’s forebears.
She also acknowledged Nujoma’s contributions to the economic development of the //Kharas and Hardap regions, which are regarded as Namibia’s breadbaskets. “There was a time when Lüderitz faced economic challenges, necessitating urgent action to revive the coastal town. Pescanova, now NovaNam, a Spanish company, approached Nujoma about investing in Namibia’s fishing sector. Without hesitation, he encouraged them to establish a factory in Lüderitz. This decisive intervention transformed the town into a thriving fishing hub, creating jobs for locals,” she stated.
The governor credited Nujoma for the establishment of Namdeb and the growth of the mining sector, particularly in diamond production.
“The zinc factories in Noordoewer, grape and date farming along the Orange River – these are thriving export industries, all thanks to the active intervention of our late leader. The flourishing agricultural landscape of the Hardap region can also be largely attributed to the proactive initiatives undertaken during his presidency. Notably, ostrich farming and abattoirs once thrived in this area, empowering numerous Namibians in the south.” She further emphasised his vision of unity, peace and stability as pillars of Namibia’s prosperity and nation-building.
Nujoma envisioned a Namibia where every citizen felt valued in their cultural identity and had a genuine sense of belonging. “His unwavering faith in traditional authority leadership was instrumental in shaping the society he dreamed of – one that emphasised cultural heritage and tradition. He often articulated this belief through his profound sayings about the importance of cultural values and traditions.”
//Kharas Regional Council chairperson Joseph Isaack described Nujoma as an iconic and gallant leader, who stood up and went into exile to fight for Namibia’s freedom from colonial rule. “He brought us independence and the freedom to speak our minds,” he said.
Isaacks recounted how Nujoma’s influence shaped his own life. “Because of what I heard about the Founding Father as a young boy, I evaded joining the apartheid South West African Territory Force. What was furthermore outstanding in memory of Nujoma was that he always advocated for a self-sufficient and economically-emancipated Namibia”, he continued. Meanwhile, Swapo regional coordinator in //Kharas Matheus Mumbala stated that Nujoma’s death is a loss not only to his family, but to the entire nation.
“Although no words can truly ease the pain of his passing, his family must know that they are very close in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.
Mumbala further described Nujoma as a remarkable leader who championed development, particularly for the poor and marginalised. “He was a progressive president with a gift for leadership, always knowing how and when to take decisions.”
John Mutorwa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport said here that greatness is largely determined, valued and appreciated on what ordinary people do or say about others. “Ordinary people testified on how Nujoma was, and that demonstrates greatness.