Suzith Tjitaura 

KEETMANSHOOP – Swapo regional coordinator for ||Kharas Matheus Mumbala said as Namibians bid farewell to a revolutionary giant, Founding President Sam Nujoma, they should not dwell in sorrow, but instead draw inspiration from his enduring spirit.

Speaking at the seventh regional memorial service here on Wednesday, he said Namibians should move forward with renewed determination to build the Namibia that Nujoma envisioned, which is a united, peaceful and prosperous nation. 

Mumbala said the Founding President was a remarkable leader who championed the cause of development, particularly for the poor and downtrodden, and that Nujoma paid special attention to young people and promoted the interests of women and disadvantaged communities.

“He always stood his ground. He was a great leader who sacrificed so much for our motherland. Aside from his love for Namibia and the Namibian people, his home, heart and soul remained and always will be the Swapo Party. 

He inspired us to believe in ourselves, to strive for excellence, and to never abandon our dreams for a better future,” he stated.

Remembering the days when he was a local authority councillor in the region, Mumbala said the founding president used to exchange valuable information on how to advance the party and governmental developmental agenda in order to improve the plight of communities.

“He viewed local structures as an important sphere of government which is closest to our people, and this is why the first Swapo Party government which he led decided to introduce local and regional governments in all regions. It is at this scope of government where the provision of basic services such as water, electricity, health services and infrastructural development becomes a key element of service delivery,” he continued. Mumbala then appealed to the government to establish a ‘Dr Sam Nujoma Day’ to be observed on 12 May or 8 February every year, which will be a day dedicated to educating future generations about Namibia’s rich history, particularly in higher learning institutions.

Nujoma, who died on 8 February at the age of 95, will be laid to rest at the Heroes’ Acre tomorrow.
-Nampa