Andreas Thomas

For decades, they worked behind the scenes, ensuring that meals were prepared, tables were set and a sense of home was created, even in the most difficult times.

Now, as Namibia prepares to bid farewell to its Founding President Sam Nujoma, three women who once cooked for him – both in exile and after independence – are paying tribute to the man they describe as a father, a mentor and a leader who treated his staff like family.

Nujoma, who died on 8 February 2025 at the age of 95, was the architect of Namibia’s liberation and a leader known for his humility, kindness and steadfast commitment to those around him.

For Betty Wilbard, Selma Simon and Helvi Kalimba, their memories of him extend beyond the political arena to the warmth of his character.

They recall how he valued their work, his gentle humour, and his profound respect for everyone who worked alongside him.

They experienced first-hand the preparation of meals for Nujoma and his family in Zambia and Angola during the struggle for independence.

After Namibia gained independence and Nujoma became the country’s first president in 1990, they continued to serve him throughout his 15-year administration, during his retirement, and up until his death.

Now, as they reflect on losing him, their voices resonate with both sorrow and gratitude.

They remember him not just as a leader of the Namibian revolution and founding president, but as a man who valued every individual, regardless of their status.

Wilbard joined the Nujoma kitchen as a cook in Zambia during the early 1980s. In an exclusive interview with Nampa at the Nujoma residence, she recalls that despite his stature, he was humble, peace-loving and dedicated to the people of Namibia.

Wilbard and her two colleagues were still fulfilling their responsibilities, serving the Nujoma family and the many mourners at the founding president’s Windhoek residence.

Through her sobs and tears, she shared that she joined his household as a cook when she was a young girl, with little knowledge of formal cooking.

“I came to know Nujoma through those who were supervising us. He was a great trainer and mentor because we did not have formal training as cooks or waiters. But he took it upon himself to show us what to do and how to do it,” Wilbard recalled.

“He taught us everything – how to iron and how to set the table, including laying out different utensils. We were not trained in hotels or catering schools,” she noted.

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“I looked at him as a father. I started cooking for him when I was a young girl, continuing into my youth and now as an old woman. I am one of the lucky ones, having known Nujoma since the 1980s until the time when God called him from this earth,” said Wilbard, who is in her early 60s.
She added that Nujoma was neither a picky eater nor did he ever criticise their cooking. However, he was health-conscious, and never consumed sugar throughout his long life.
Nujoma enjoyed traditional food, including wild spinach. “He always said he was taught by his mother not to criticise someone’s cooking. He loved traditional food, and I never saw him eating sugar or sweets. He was not choosy, and did not dictate the menu,” Wilbard said.
She was deeply affected by the death of the founding president, whom she had been caring for during his three-week hospitalisation at the Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek.
Simon met Nujoma in May 1978, shortly after the South African colonial forces attacked the Cassinga refugee camp in southern Angola. She began working with Nujoma in 1979 as a protocol officer based in Kwanza Sul.
She later moved to Angola, where she worked as a cook in the households of David Meroro, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo and Nujoma. She remembers how they used to follow Nujoma, even to Swapo central committee meetings, which were often held in the bushes on farms.
Father figure 

Simon, who later worked directly with Nujoma at State House after independence, stated that the late statesman was humble, and cared for everyone around him.
“He was a peaceful and orderly person. We have really learned a lot from him, as he would always counsel us to be united, love one another, and work hard for ourselves. I now have a small business selling cooked food at home, which was inspired by his encouragement to always work hard,” she said.
She remembered how he would take her to his home village of Etunda for several days to help care for his elderly mother. “When his mother passed away, he was fond of saying that I was now their mother,” Simon recalled, struggling to hold back tears. Nujoma’s mother, Helvi Mpingana Kondombolo, died in November 2008.
Nujoma would also take them to Terrace Bay for the Christmas holidays, where he enjoyed fishing. “We would spend the nights singing, and he truly loved singing,” she continued.
After independence, Kalimba, now a member of the Namibian Police, was once likewise assigned to State House, where she continued to serve Nujoma. She began working as a waiter for Nujoma in Angola during their exile in 1983.
Ever joyful 

“Nujoma was a jovial person. He could go to bed smiling and wake up smiling. He was a peaceful person, who always encouraged us to teach others about work. It felt as though we were a happy family. There was never a bad day in Nujoma’s household,” she said.
Kalimba, who is due for retirement this year, said Nujoma was a gentle giant who had respect for everyone who worked alongside him.
“He was very generous. Some of our children greatly benefited from his generosity because you could go to Nujoma and tell him your problems, such as school needs for your children, and he would gladly assist you,” she added.
As the Namibian nation prepares to bid farewell to Nujoma, Wilbard, Simon and Kalimba have expressed their deep appreciation for the unique opportunity to have served him for many years until his death.
They are committed to honouring Nujoma by passing on the knowledge they gained from him.
He will be buried at Heroes’ Acre on the outskirts of Windhoek on 1 March 2025.

-Nampa