Sawi Hausiku
RUNDU – Swapo’s regional coordinator for Kavango East Ottilie Shinduvi says former Ovaherero paramount chief Hosea Kutako was the first person to identify leadership qualities in a young Sam Nujoma.
Shinduvi was among the speakers at the third regional memorial service held in honour of Founding President Sam Nujoma at the Rundu Sports Stadium on Saturday. “It was Chief Hosea Kutako who saw the fire of leadership burning in young Sam Nujoma, and blessed his journey to the United Nations to petition for Namibia’s independence,” she said.
From that moment, Nujoma never looked back as he dedicated his life to the cause of liberating Namibia from colonial rule, she added.
The regional coordinator highlighted how Nujoma made the bold decision to launch the armed liberation struggle on 26 August 1966 — a day that forever changed the course of Namibian history.
“Through the sacrifices of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia combatants, political detainees and all those who supported the struggle, Swapo became the force that ultimately dismantled the chains of the brutal apartheid oppression,” she said.
Shinduvi called Nujoma the “heartbeat” of Swapo, saying he was the revolutionary who transformed the movement from a voice of resistance into a formidable liberation force.
She also spoke about how, after he led Namibia to independence, he understood that nation-building was not merely about political governance, but also about fostering inclusivity, healing old wounds, and ensuring that all Namibians felt seen and heard in the new national fabric.
Shinduvi said one of Nujoma’s most critical decisions showing leadership was the recognition and empowerment of traditional authorities, ensuring that these pivotal figures remained integral to the social, cultural and political life of the young nation. “The empowerment of traditional authorities under Nujoma’s leadership continues to resonate in the communities that depend on them for guidance, wisdom and governance. It remains a testament to the notion that true leadership does not seek to replace the old, but to build upon it,” she said.
She added that as a party, they are determined to continue the work he started by ensuring that his vision of a self-reliant and prosperous Namibia endures.
“We will tirelessly fight for the empowerment of every Namibian, making sure that the economic independence he fought so hard to secure is realised in the lives of our people,” she noted.
-Nampa