Eba Kandovazu

The grandchildren of the late Founding President Sam Nujoma have described him as a devoted family man who cherished spending time with them.

Nujoma passed away on Saturday night at a Windhoek hospital at the age of 95.

His 25-year-old grandson, Prince Nujoma, in an interview with Nampa reflected on a recent visit to his grandfather’s home, just a month before his passing.

“One of the things Tatekulu loved to do was make sure that everyone around him is sorted in every way. I spent the day here with my uncle and the family, and I remember he kept looking at me and asking my uncle if I ate. 

He said, ‘Let the young man eat.’ That, for me, is one of the best memories,” Prince said.
Holding back tears, he emphasised that he wants Nujoma to be remembered for his leadership, diplomacy and kind nature.

“It is really difficult to even put into words what I feel. What I can definitely say is that he was a hero, my hero, a legend among legends. It is up to us now to carry on his will and pick up where he left off,” Prince said.

Another grandchild, 22-year-old Nelago Imbili, shared that her fondest memories with Nujoma were their conversations around the dinner table, where he would recount his experiences during the liberation struggle.

“He also took us fishing a lot, we got to see another side of him. He loved his family. We learned a lot from him and we look up to him very much. I want him to be remembered for his perseverance and his life’s purpose.

 I know people saw him as a very tough military person, but he had a very kind, soft heart,” Nelago said.

Another grandchild, Teopolina Nujoma, said her grandfather had a warm heart, and took care of many children.

“He raised a lot of children, apart from his own grandchildren. So many children grew up in his house. My fondest memories are that on school holidays, he used to take us to the farm to go hunting. He used to take us to Henties Bay and, Terrace Bay to go fishing. He did not discriminate. 

He leaves behind a legacy of freedom,” Teopolina said.

Nujoma is survived by his wife, Kovambo, his children Utoni, Sacky and Usuta, as well as his siblings Julia, Hiskia and Noah. 

He also leaves behind grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

-Nampa