Sam Nujoma, who died on Saturday, inspired millions of people around the world in Namibia and Africa’s quest for self-determination through his uncompromising vision for the minority.
As the world mourns the death of the gallant Founding President, Sam Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma, journalists who covered his tenure shared firsthand experiences on what it was like around a man revered by many as a larger-than-life figure.
Particularly, some veteran scribes shared insights into his leadership, political achievements and handling of the press.
Pillar
Veteran journalist and deputy minister of information and communication technology Modestus Amutse remembers Nujoma as one of the pillars that Africa has ever had.
“A Pan-Africanist who echoed unity for Africa and advocated for a common African principle,” the journalist-turned-politician said, adding that Nujoma, alongside erstwhile Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, were in a league of their own.
“They were very straightforward in their dealings, emphasising unity, freedom and the rights of oppressed peoples, including those in Palestine and the Sahara,” Amutse said.
On media freedom under Nujoma’s reign, he stated that “the country witnessed the birth of the right to freedom of expression, particularly after independence. He encouraged the government to provide information to the press because he believed that informed citizens make informed decisions.”
Amutse reflected that Nujoma’s emphasis on information as a tool for empowerment shaped Namibia’s strong commitment to press freedom.
“He compelled us as journalists to provide accurate and timely information. He had an expression that when one is doing something for the betterment of all people, success will follow, rather than working for personal interest,” he noted.
Amutse also recalled how Nujoma would personally urge government officials to be transparent with journalists.
He further remembers key national achievements under the founding president, such as the establishment of Namibia’s first university.
“There was no university before independence. Under his leadership, academia was prioritised and expanded. He also strengthened the infrastructures of the roads network, making Namibia number one on the continent for roads infrastructure,” he added. The deputy minister said the late founding president likewise prioritised railway expansion to ease congestion, and provide a cheaper alternative for goods’ transportation.
The founding president’s efforts similarly found effect in developing Namibia’s ports, desalination plants and agricultural self-sufficiency through the Green Scheme projects.
“He always reminded us that a nation that cannot feed itself cannot command respect,” said Amutse.
Appreciation
Veteran journalist Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro recalls travelling with the founding president on international visits to countries like Chile, Angola, Congo and Brazil.
“One thing I appreciated about him was his sense of appreciation for journalists. He was always concerned about whether we were being taken care of,” he said.
“He recognised the media’s role in shaping national discourse and appreciated our efforts,” Matundu-Tjiparuro continued.
“After the liberation struggle, there was significant factionalism, and it was his responsibility to build a sense of nationhood,” he said.
The veteran scibe and editor also credited the implementation of the policy of national reconciliation and ensuring diverse representation in government as hallmarks of the Nujoma presidency.
“The first Cabinet was not just made up of Swapo members. It included leaders from different backgrounds, effectively forming a government of national unity. The foundation of whatever national unity we speak about today was crystallised by his government,” he observed.
Press freedom
Yesterday, the Editors Forum of Namibia (EFN) paid tribute to the Founding President, emphasising his role in promoting press freedom.
EFN chairperson Frank Steffen recalled the significance of the 1991 Windhoek Declaration for a free, independent and pluralistic press, which was adopted under the Nujoma presidency.
“Without the blessing of the then- president, the initiative and seminar by African journalists, who were supported by UNESCO under the title of ‘Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press,’ would not have been possible. He placed emphasis on Namibia remaining the leader of a free press in Africa, aiming to, in fact, lead the world by example,” he said.
The EFN also acknowledged Nujoma’s broader contributions, noting that he should be remembered for proclaiming the policy of national reconciliation, which harmonised relations among Namibians.
“He not only believed in building a unified nation while respecting the diversity of the Namibian nation, but he also ensured that Namibia became a nation that honours democracy and observes the rule of law,” said Steffen.
Visionary
Christof Maletsky, a veteran journalist and editor, said Namibia is mourning a tireless, visionary leader whom he knew in his journalistic career as a very shrewd political tactician.
“Our founding father was always miles ahead of many others with his vision and anticipatory leadership. His very first speech at Namibia’s Independence comes to mind, where he set the tone that is carrying the spirit of the nation until today.
As a journalist, I had many encounters with President Nujoma, some of which we talked and joked about after his retirement,” Maletsky reminisced. With Nujoma, he recalled, what you saw is what you got, as he never minced his words.
“I’m reminded of how he pinpointed former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at one of the international summits. The same would happen to anyone locally, including journalists. But still, press freedom came to Namibia under the founding [president’s] leadership and has remained ever since,” said Maletsky.