Staff Reporter
President Hage Geingob has described Namibia’s first democratically-elected Head of State as a revolutionary leader, whose leadership qualities inspired many Namibians in their quest for self-determination. Nujoma celebrates his 94th birthday today.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, Geingob encapsulated Nujoma’s leadership style and influence to Namibians past, present and in the future.
“Leadership is about influence, as we have all come to learn, and the responsibility to lead and to influence is cumbersome. Next to leadership is revolution, which can be simplistically defined as an overhaul in pursuit of reform usually for the betterment of life”.
“Revolutions are difficult Differences and revolutions are
rarely established under easy circumstances. Therefore, revolutions always require leaders, and the less-asked question is, what are revolutionaries made of”? Geingob asked rhetorically. He then moved to May 12, the day on which Nujoma was born.
“Each year on this very day of 12 May, we delight in the unique opportunity to marvel at the wonder of a true revolutionary
who has demonstrated commendable leadership, as he gave marching orders to the sons and daughters of Namibia to fight for their freedom,” Geingob
stated. He added that Namibians revel in the person who is “Comrade Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, the leader of the Namibian Revolution, the Father of the Namibian
Nation and the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia”.
He continued: “Today, we celebrate 94 years in the life of a valiant son of the Namibian soil, whose bravery was unwavering in pursuit of the right to self-determination for the people of
this country and who, in his pursuit
of the Namibian revolution,
brought others along with him through his unmatched leadership; striving for unity of purpose towards the common goal of freedom from apartheid oppression”.
Geingob reiterated and emphasised Nujoma’s hands-on approach leadership style, as he was well-known to have led the liberation movement from the
front as Swapo leader.
“As Founding President of the Republic of Namibia, Comrade Sam Nujoma played a towering role in uniting Namibians in
their march for a stable and prosperous Namibia”. “As we progress towards Vision 2030, we pay homage to this stalwart of our liberation struggle and our Founding Father. Let us be reminded, especially in this Year
of Revival, that ultimately, revolution is an act of hope,” he continued.
“To see the fight for independence through, it was the hope for a liberated and prosperous nation that motivated the acts of bravery of Comrade Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.
Therefore, the hope for a united, inclusive and prosperous Namibia must propel us to
always act courageously in the interests of the Namibian people,” the President stated.
To Nujoma, Geingob had this to say: “As you celebrate your 94th birthday, I thank you, Comrade Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, for
the distinctive and steadfast leadership you provided to the Namibian people. Your sacrifices and legacy are an inspiration to Namibians. Your achievements are cherished, and your elegance is mesmerisingly timeless.”