WALVIS BAY – Yesterday’s Erongo regional memorial service of Founding President Sam Nujoma was bittersweet.
The region, where Nujoma’s political spark and zest for freedom and self-determination were first awakened, bade farewell to one of its own. A commonality could be deduced from the different speakers, each of whom perfectly located and etched Nujoma’s role in Namibia’s long and bitter fight for independence: his legacy will be kept alive for eternity.
On the day, thousands of residents, including children waving the Namibian flag, lined the streets not only to catch a glimpse of Nujoma, but also to pay their respects to a man who played an integral role in the reintegration of the town.
A solemn silence filled the streets as sirens wailed while his casket entered the Kuisebmond Stadium – unlike the glorious chants which once echoed through the same venue when he successfully negotiated the reintegration of Walvis Bay and finally welcomed the town back to Namibia.
Standing in the shoes of President Nangolo Mbumba, the chief mourner, was Ben Amathila, a veteran politician and ally of Nujoma.
In his tribute, he described Nujoma as a strategist and tactician.
“He steered us through all kinds of situations.
We got Namibia liberated, we got Walvis Bay back, and he told us one thing – we are a small country, but Namibia must be united. It’s a moment of sadness for me that we are here today to pay our respects to our commander-in-chief. It is our loss; it is Namibia’s loss,” Amathila said while showing appreciation to the thousands who came to pay their respects to the fallen hero.
He said the past few days have been very emotional, as Namibia is nearing the end of releasing Nujoma to meet his ancestors.
“We can only be grateful. I am trying to gather strength, as much as I thought I was tough for comrade Nujoma.
I have a soft spot. When I visited him at Lady Pohamba Hospital, I was given the opportunity to enter his room. I saw him lying there and realised his time had come – it was just a matter of time. Less than 12 hours later, he left us to be reunited with his ancestors. I left the room to hide my emotions. I knew he was going. He was borrowed to us for 95 years,” an emotional Amathila told the mourners.
He continued that Nujoma was indeed blessed to live that long, given the load he carried, the tasks he undertook, and the roads he travelled across the world in search of Namibia’s liberation.
“It was indeed a heavy load. We can only thank him for a job well done.” Also speaking at the memorial was Erongo governor Neville Andre, who said Nujoma was not only the first president of the Republic of Namibia, but also the visionary leader who spearheaded the Namibian revolution, leading to the hard-fought independence that Namibians cherish today.
“His unwavering commitment to justice, freedom and equality has left a permanent mark on our nation’s history, and his legacy will forever inspire generations to come.
As we reflect on his remarkable life, we are reminded of the special bond Dr. Nujoma shared with the Erongo region. His early days in Walvis Bay, starting as a labourer while meeting a diverse group of fishermen from across the globe, shaped his political consciousness. It was here in Walvis Bay that his dream of a free Namibia was ignited, strengthening his resolve and determination to fight for the country’s total liberation,” he noted.
It was also here where Nujoma met the late Nathanael Maxuilili, the late Frank Abrahams and many other revolutionaries, remaining steadfast in his mission to reintegrate the town after Namibia gained independence.
“He understood the strategic and symbolic importance of this region – not only as a gateway to the world, but as a vital part of our national identity. His relentless efforts and diplomatic acumen ensured that Walvis Bay was rightfully returned to Namibia, completing the territorial integrity of our nation,” the youthful governor stated.
“As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his life – a life dedicated to the service of our nation and its people. Let us draw strength from his courage, vision and unyielding belief in a united and prosperous Namibia,” Andre said.
-edeklerk@nepc.com.na