The emergence of Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma in politics gave hope to many hopeless Namibians who suffered colonial hardship. 

He was Godsent, and strongly took the fight by uniting women and men to push for freedom. Nujoma was first a leader of OPO, which was later renamed to Swapo. 

Under Swapo, he mobilised PLAN fighters to tackle the enemy within the country, and this was done despite lack of ammunition at the time. However, his negotiation skills got him more ammunition from sister countries such as Cuba and the Soviet Union. 

Sadly, many PLAN fighters who were fighting inside the borders died, and a lot more who went to exile never returned. 

This situation left many parents with mental issues. It was indeed a sacrificing situation, and it was Nujoma’s unforgettable roles and influences which paved the way to our freedom, and eventually made him a respected hero in the Land of the Brave, as well as qualified him a Father of the Nation status, something his family should be proud of. 

Although the struggle was long and bitter, the survivors and many other individuals who played a big role during the war were later recognised after the country attained its independence by offering them permanent jobs and life benefits through the war veterans’ initiatives. 

That move finally brought happiness to those who risked their lives for freedom. It is the same freedom which recognised struggle kids, and offered them jobs in public entities. 

In addition, Nujoma was a man of all tribes, as he was so cautious about the danger of tribalism and rather chose to be a unifier, which made him a favourite leader in many households. 

He was indeed a man who brought hope to numerous Namibians, and many have named their sons after him. 

There are also statements that we grew up hearing about Nujoma: “If Nujoma was not there, we could suffer; if Nujoma was not there, there would be no Namibia by now; if Nujoma was not there, there will be no peace that we are enjoying today”. The statements are endless. 

Shafiishuna Nujoma brought us freedom which did not come easy, but through so many tactics and bullet exchanges with the enemy. It was those bullets and tactics which reminded the enemy that Nujoma was not someone to play or joke with. When he started something, he was a man who would walk the talk. 

Yet, he was a man with a big smile all the time, and cared for his people. One cannot finish listing all the positive things about Nujoma, and his departure is sad news that is too heavy for our hearts to accept. Furthermore, Namibians will miss him, despite his name being written on the streets, and the presence of his statues on top of buildings and in various museums. Of course, we are mourning a rare leader, who put his people first. 

One may ask whether Namibia will ever get a leader like Nujoma? His family may find it difficult to accept his departure, but they should know that their sorrow is ours too. On Sunday (09/02/2024) after church, I called my mum to inform her about the sad news. She said “I cried, and my heart is still heavy”. That is an indication that Nujoma was like a man of every house, and it is for that reason that Namibians are in a dark cloud now. 

Some individuals might not be physically there to comfort the family members, but in spirit they are present. It is important to note that Nujoma loved unity, and it is our turn to unify in prayer for his soul to continue to rest in eternal peace, and say goodbye to our long-time leader who paved the way for our freedom. Let Father God accept him in his kingdom, and he be reunited with other heroes who have departed before him. 

My condolences to the entire family. 

*Tobias Nanhinda is a librarian at the Ministry of Gender Equality. He assists with proposals and thesis when off-duty. The views in this article are merely his, and not of his employer.