Paulina Ndalikokule
NKURENKURU – Kavango West governor Sirkka Ausiku this week said the late Founding President Sam Nujoma ensures that all green schemes in Kavango were fully functional.
Nujoma saw the then-Kavango as the food basket of Namibia.
Ausiku made these remarks when she officiated the signing of the book of condolences in honour of Nujoma in Nkurenkuru.
She fondly remembers Nujoma’s unwavering encouragement for the region to prioritise agriculture, a legacy that continues to inspire growth and self-sufficiency.
“The region joins the nation in mourning the loss of a visionary leader, who dedicated his life to the progress and unity of Namibia. We will remember him for encouraging us to get involved in agriculture… during his time, our green schemes were fully operational at a full scale.
“Our founding president was also passionate about education. His wish was for all Namibian children to be in school,” she said.
“I recall his visit to the region during the 2023 easter holiday, a moment that left a lasting impact on our community,’’ Ausiku noted.
Meanwhile, People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan) ex-combatant Joseph Nghinyangelwa Shanyengana remembers Nujoma for the formation of Swapo.
“When Nujoma formed Swapo during the liberation struggle, he made a decision to prepare Namibia for independence. Plan combatants and military came from abroad to fight for independence in Namibia. Nujoma led commanders, such as John Nankudhu, Kaxumba Kandola and Andimba Toivo ya Toivo to fight for independence,” he said.
Musese constituency councillor Kosmas Katura said when he was young, he knew Nujoma only through songs.
Katura said Namibians must be like learners who were taught lessons by the founding father, which they should be proud of and be responsible citizens.
Petrus Mbandu Siteketa, a representative from Ukwangali Traditional Authority and has a war veteran status, described the late founding president as a caretaker for all.
He said when Nujoma took on the presidency, he called for national reconciliation.
It did not matter to Nujoma on which side people were during the liberation struggle.
People were misled but reconciling was the way forward to live in peace and harmony as Namibians.
Siteketa said Nujoma took care of the then-Kavango region as if he were from there.
“He was always here – even last year. We were with him at the Ukwangali palace. He was here – little did we know that it was his goodbye,’’ he remarked.
*Paulina Ndalikokule is an information officer at MICT Kavango West.