Linea Dishena
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says planting of trees in May could become a national tradition to promote peace, unity and development, as envisioned by the late Founding President and Father of the Nation, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.
On Monday, Namibians across the country took time to plant trees in honour of Nujoma, who died on 08 February 2025, in celebration of his birthday on 12 May 1929.
Speaking at a tree-planting ceremony held in Nujoma’s honour at the Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek, under the theme ‘The Baobab Tree has Fallen, But Its Roots Remain’, Nandi-Ndaitwah said tree planting could become a noble tradition, especially when aligned with the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May, a day on which people around the world are encouraged to plant trees annually.
The president said this year’s biodiversity theme, ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’, reflects the values that Nujoma stood for, noting that the ceremony symbolised his unwavering commitment to nurturing peace, unity, and promoting national development.
“The occasion serves as a call to action for all Namibians to uphold and carry forward Dr Nujoma’s legacy – a legacy rooted in unity, peace and development… Peace and Unity must become part of our evening and morning prayers. Let us make this day meaningful to the nation,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to remain loyal to the ideals of unity and the development of every Namibian — principles that Nujoma championed.
She added that planting trees must endure as a symbol of resilience, life, and continuity.
At the same occasion, Khomas governor, who is also the late liberation icon’s grandson and namesake, Sam Nujoma, speaking on behalf of founding first lady Kovambo Nujoma, said the late president had emerged as a beacon of hope to the Namibian nation and the world at large, guided by the sacred flame of unity.
“His life’s symphony sings of resilience and selflessness, echoing across nations and generations as he tirelessly fought for freedom and justice in solidarity with other gallant freedom fighters of our motherland,” she said. -Nampa