SWAKOPMUND — Former mayor of Walvis Bay Manuel de Castro, says late Founding President Sam Nujoma’s life can only be celebrated by fulfilling his vision for Namibia.
De Castro, the first elected mayor of the town after its reintegration into Namibia, said Nujoma’s vision for Namibia and his courage to ensure the country remained free and peaceful, will never be forgotten.
“Hence, the only way Namibians can honour Nujoma’s legacy is if the next government, led by the newly-elected president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and ministers drawn from younger generations, realise the vision that Nujoma embodied,” said De Castro, who is currently based in the United Kingdom.
Walvis Bay was officially reintegrated into Namibia in 1994 after negotiations led by Nujoma and the late Theo-Ben Gurirab, who successfully engaged South Africa on behalf of Namibia.
President Nangolo Mbumba was also in the mix.
De Castro, shortly after the reintegration, took office as Walvis Bay’s first mayor and worked closely with Nujoma.
“Nujoma was an extraordinary leader with an unparalleled vision for Namibia. For 30 years, he led the struggle for self-determination, freedom, and independence with tremendous courage and resilience in the face of many challenges,” he said. He described Nujoma as a leader committed to national reconciliation, which ensured Namibia remained a symbol of peace in a sometimes unstable region. “He will also be remembered for promoting youth education in science and agriculture. He had an insatiable desire to drive economic development and job creation,” he said.
De Castro added that Nujoma’s impact stretched beyond Namibia, earning him respect across Africa.
“He was a well-respected elder statesman, equal in stature to his peers — the likes of former presidents Nelson Mandela, Kenneth Kaunda, Julius Nyerere, Samora Machel, and Robert Mugabe. But for Namibians, he meant much more because he directly touched our lives daily, and we owe to him the peace and stability we have enjoyed for the last 34 years,” De Castro said.
He believes the future presents challenges but also opportunities and urged Namibia’s next leaders to build on Nujoma’s legacy.
In addition, retired ambassador Theresia Samaria, who also served in Nujoma’s administration, described his passing as a loss not only for Namibia but for the global community.
Samaria was among the first Black councillors in the Walvis Bay municipal council in 1994.
Samaria also became the town’s first black and female mayor in 1999, holding the position until 2003. After her tenure as mayor, she continued her public service in various diplomatic roles, including appointments as Namibia’s ambassador to Botswana.
“This significant loss resonates deeply with all of us, and words cannot fully capture the extent of our grief. I offer my sincere prayers for solace and healing to our former first lady, Kovambo Nujoma, and her family during this challenging time. My deepest sympathies are with you all,” Samaria commiserated.
Samaria had the honour and privilege of working with Nujoma and can attest to his exemplary character and unwavering dedication, she said.
Nujoma was a man of great thoughtfulness and kindness, an accomplished politician, a remarkable mentor, a fearless advocate for liberation, and a statesman of the highest order, she continued.
“His love and care for the people of Namibia transcended all boundaries. His relentless efforts led to the reintegration of Walvis Bay and the offshore islands into Namibia on 1 March 1994,” she said.
-edeklerk@nepc.com