NKURENKURU – The Kavango West region has joined the rest of the country in mourning founding president Dr Sam Nujoma who died on 8 February at a Windhoek hospital. 

The regional Governor Sirkka Ausiku remembered the departed leader as one who dedicated his entire life to the liberation and nation building of Namibia as a country. 

“His visionary leadership and sacrifices laid the foundation for the Namibian nation, fostering unity of purpose and progress. As we mourn this great loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life of a leader who selflessly devoted himself to the cause of Namibia. May we honour his memory by upholding the values he stood for patriotism, resilience, unity of purpose and nation building,’’ she said. 

Kavango West chief regional officer, Mathews Singambwe said Nujoma will be remembered for not only the role he played as a leader of the country’s liberation struggle, but also as a person with a firm foundation and believer of unity. 

“We remember him as the first president who appointed the smallest cabinet of 19 Cabinet Minister at the genesis of our democratic republic. Under his presidency, new schools such as Himarwa Ithete in Mpungu Constituency were constructed,’’ Singambwe noted. 

Singambwe said he remembers that the late stateman increased the number of appointees to his cabinet and National Assembly from the then Kavango Regions. 

“During his tenure, we were taught how to sing the National Anthem with total attention. The founding father has done countless contributions to our region. We will surely keep him in our memories,’’ he said. 

Swapo coordinator for the Kavango West region, Elina Diparo said Nujoma will be remembered as a remarkable individual; a leader who led the Namibian nation with integrity, wisdom and unwavering commitment during his time. 

“As a nation we appreciate the role that he played in liberating us. He brought us independence through his leadership as a country we attained a lot. We will forever treasure his memories and never forget his sacrifices during the struggle of liberation that brought us freedom, may the soul of our founding father rest in eternal peace,’’ she said.