Iuze Mukube

Founding President Sam Nujoma confronted the most tumultuous climate of Namibia’s political landscape at the dawn of independence in 1990. He had to lead a country which just emerged from a divisive apartheid regime, and unite former warring foes. A towering, unparalleled figure in Namibian and world history, Nujoma was the last of his generation of African leaders who unchained their nations from the yoke of repugnant colonial regimes and white minority rule, which included Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Samora Machel (Mozambique), Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe) and Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda.

We go down memory lane to look at some of his iconic quotes.

“Our nation blazed the trail to freedom. It has arisen to its feet. As of today, we are masters of this vast land of our ancestors. The destiny of this country is now fully in our own hands. We should, therefore, look forward to the future with confidence and hope.” – Independence Day, 21 March 1990.

“For the Namibian people, the realisation of our most cherished goal, namely the independence of our country and the freedom of our people, is a fitting tribute to the heroism and tenacity with which our people fought for this long-awaited day. – Independence Day, 21 March 1990.

“A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all the members of society, will always emerge victorious.” – Heroes Day Commemoration.

“A nation without culture is like a tree without roots. When the wind blows, it uproots that tree.”

 “This is precisely what we have been fighting for. Shedding our blood in order to give the Namibian people the opportunity to democratically elect their own government.”

“We must remain united on the continent to ensure that every African child attends a school. From kindergarten, primary school and secondary school, up to the university level. This should be the commitment of all of us on the continent.”

“Taking the destiny of our country in our own hands meant, among other things, making a great effort to forge a national identity based on a common resolve and unity of purpose and action, as well as setting for ourselves higher standards of equality, justice and opportunity for all our people, irrespective of colour, race, ethnicity or place of origin.” Inaugural speech (21 March 1990)

“Unity is a precondition for peace and development. Without peace, it is not possible for the best and most talented citizens of our country to realise their potential.”

“We must maintain unity of purpose and action. We must remain vigilant and disciplined too, and we must have respect amongst ourselves. A nation without respect amongst its rank and file will never be able to stand on its own feet.”

“Namibia is our God-gifted country; we have no other one but Namibia, and we have to be there. Those who are trying to stand in our way to freedom; it’s obvious we will smash them to pieces. Whether Botha/Reagan want it or not, Namibia shall be free. We will seize it from the hands of the Boers.”

“In any people’s war, it is not the armament that is a decisive factor in a people’s war. It is the people’s willingness to make sacrifices.”

“An opportunity should always be for the future generation. We should not talk for our own interests.”

“Without concrete and sustained peace and stability, Africa’s economic growth and poverty eradication will remain
unfulfilled dreams. They will make our promises empty and a betrayal to the African masses. We must act collectively to nurture their hopes and make their dreams come true.” – 59th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 22 September
2004.

“The best way in which we can address social and economic inequalities in our country is by ensuring that all our people, especially the youth, are provided with quality education.” 83rd birthday celebration, 12 May 2012.  

“I also urge our youth to reject tribalism and the social evils of alcohol and drug abuse, violence against women and children, as well as to remain focused on pursuits that are aimed at building a better future for themselves and our country.” 83rd birthday celebration, 12 May 2012. 

“It is important for us to preserve and promote our cultural values, traditional norms and heritage in order to mould our national identity. In this regard, I believe that as an African country, we must encourage our children to appreciate and develop interest in our cultural values and traditional norms.” – Inauguration of the Palace of Ongandjera, 26 September 2015. 

“History has taught us how the enemies of peace, freedom and social progress have caused division, political instability and economic sabotage in some sisterly countries on the African continent, and embarked upon manoeuvres and machinations in order to mislead and convert some of our fellow African compatriots and turn them against their own people with the view to reverse the gains of our freedom and independence.” – Kwame Nkrumah memorial, 24 February 2012.  

“When the Founding Fathers were calling for African unity, they were calling for economic emancipation, cooperation and integration of the entire African continent because they fully understood that political freedom would remain insufficient and meaningless unless it was accompanied by genuine economic independence.” – Kwame Nkrumah memorial, 24 February 2012.

“Our achievement of independence imposes upon us a heavy responsibility, not only to defend our hard-won liberty, but also to set ourselves higher standards of equality, justice and opportunity for all without regard to race, creed or colour. These are the standards from which all who seek to emulate us shall draw inspiration.” Inaugural speech, 21 March 1990. 

“The maintenance of peace and stability in the country is imperative for socio-economic development. Where there is no peace and stability, surely there will be no meaningful development. Therefore, we must ensure the smooth transition, from generation to generation, to build on past successes and progress to the new generation.” 86th birthday anniversary, 16 May 2015.