The former first lady of Zimbabwe, Grace Mugabe, on Thursday shared insights into the close relationship between her late husband, Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Mugabe, and Namibia’s late Founding President Sam Nujoma.

Mugabe visited Nujoma’s wife Kovambo on Thursday at the family residence in Windhoek to express her condolences. 

Nujoma died on 8 February 2025. Reflecting on their holidays in Namibia, Mugabe said that she and Robert often visited Namibia when he was on leave.

One of her fondest memories, she said, was when both families visited Terrace Bay with their children. There, she recalled, the two statesmen enjoyed fishing together.

“They were very close. It was beautiful, mama. Other moments, I vividly remember, mama. 

So, when I heard about the passing on of our dear friend, the president, I said I would present myself in person to offer my condolences. I couldn’t just stay in Zimbabwe and not come to commiserate with you, because of the relations we had and, specifically, the relationship he had with my husband,” Mugabe told Kovambo while comforting her. 

Mugabe shared that she knew Nujoma before he became Namibia’s founding president, as he visited her husband a lot.

“I knew president Nujoma even before he was president. When he was still fighting for the independence of the country, he used to visit my husband a lot. I would see them having conversations regarding what he wanted to see happening in Namibia, the commitment and relentless fighting for what he thought was supposed to be the Namibia he wanted.

“He did it with so much love for the people of this country. When Namibia became independent, I was so happy because I saw him. I had experienced what he wanted for this country. I am happy that he was able to see all he wished for happening,” Mugabe said.

She praised Kovambo’s support for Nujoma, whom she described as a principled leader, noting the late icon’s achievements were made possible by her care and support. “I’m very happy to see you, mama. I want to be like you – to live long like you. You are a source of inspiration, mama. 

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for looking after [your husband]. You did a great job. Without you, he wouldn’t have accomplished a lot of things that he accomplished in Namibia, in Africa the continent, and beyond. It was all because of your support, mama,” Mugabe remarked.

– Nampa