Uakutura Kambaekua
OPUWO – Hundreds of mourners gathered at Opuwo’s Open Market on Sunday to honour and celebrate the life and legacy of Namibia’s first president Sam Nujoma.
He died in Windhoek on 8 February 2025.
Kunene residents described him as a unifier, a beacon of hope for Namibian people and an individual who championed the country’s economic and social development.
They said this legacy should be carried on by those who took over the torch from him.
In her address, Opuwo mayor Rosa Mbinge-Tjeundo called on the nation to not just mourn but rather celebrate Nujoma’s life of sacrifice, resilience and unwavering dedication to the liberation and development of Namibia.
“Nujoma was not just a leader. He was a fearless fighter, a beacon of hope and a man whose name became synonymous with the very essence of Namibia’s freedom,” she said.
She said it was the founding president’s vision, strategic foresight, bold leadership and unshakeable belief in Namibians that shaped Namibia’s trajectory.
The mayor highlighted Nujoma’s love for the Kunene region, where he would spend most of his holidays in the coastal areas of Torra Bay and Terrace Bay.
“He saw in this rugged, yet beautiful, land an untapped oasis for investment and growth. His love for Kunene was evident in the time he spent fishing along the coastline, where he recognised the potential for maritime development.
His vision extended to the Skeleton Coast, where he foresaw the establishment of a strategic port at Cape Fria, an ambitious yet calculated move to bolster Namibia’s economic standing,” she noted.
Mbinge-Tjeundo called on the masses to reflect on the life of Nujoma, and draw inspiration from his legacy.
She added that the founding father has taught the nation that true leadership is about service, standing firm in one’s beliefs and striving for the greater good even in the face of adversity.
Kunene governor Marius Sheya stated that Nujoma has completed his responsibilities.
It is now the responsibility of those still involved to move forward and continue the pursuit of total economic emancipation.
“It is now up to us to fight and attain full economic emancipation.
Nujoma did his part. Let us now carry ahead and achieve his dreams,” he appealed.
Sheya said Nujoma liberated and unified all Namibian tribes under one banner, particularly during his efforts in the liberation struggle, when he dedicated his time to advocating for and facilitating Namibians’ access to tertiary education abroad. Nujoma will be buried at the Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek on Saturday.
-Nampa