Rudolf Gaiseb
Founding President Sam Nujoma, who celebrated his 95th birthday yesterday, has been hailed as an inspirational and credible luminary, a father figure, and an unparalleled titan within the political sphere who is loved and revered.
Nujoma, a revolutionary, anti-apartheid activist and political giant, served three terms as the first president of Namibia from 1990 to 2005, and has played a significant role in shaping the history of the country and its politics.
President Nangolo Mbumba led the nation in expressing birthday wishes to Nujoma, saying he is as loved and revered as ever, probably even more, given his endearing nature and status as Father of the Nation.
“To reach the age of 95 years is no mean feat. It is an honour reserved for those who are truly blessed with the gift of long life and health,” he said.
“On this day, we thank God for giving Comrade Nujoma the gift of long-life and health. On this day, we celebrate 95 years of a purposeful, courageous and extraordinary life. On this day, we celebrate the birthday of our national leader, commander-in-chief, supreme patriarch and father of veteran fighters,” said Mbumba in a statement issued yesterday.”
Mbumba further said Nujoma’s visionary leadership was evident from his youth when he resigned from his job at South African Railways to pursue a career in politics, with a goal to free the people of Namibia from the brutal contract labour and pass law systems administered by apartheid-ruled South Africa, which occupied Namibia illegally at the time.
“The revolutionary path Comrade Nujoma pursued led him to become President of the Owamboland People’s Organisation (OPO), which later transformed into the South West African People’s Organisation (Swapo).
He persevered in the dangerous arena of struggle-era politics because he envisioned a future where Namibians would be free and exercise their collective right to govern themselves in an environment free from discrimination, violence, and hatred based on race, gender or ethnicity,” Mbumba stated.
Institute for Public Policy Research executive director Graham Hopwood said Nujoma emerges with more credit than most historical leaders.
“It’s hard to think of another individual who has more greatly influenced the formation of a nation but then had the wisdom not to cling to power but let the country pursue its own democratic path. Others, like Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, sullied their early liberation credentials with latter-day authoritarianism,” he said.
Hopwood added that like almost all politicians who have been in long-term leadership positions, there were less distinguished periods, intemperate and unwise words and actions, and mistakes that had varying consequences.
“But taking his five decades of political activity as a whole, Nujoma emerges with more credit than most historical leaders – for what he did at crucial junctures but also for what he didn’t do – which sets him apart from many of the more short-lived icons of the liberation era.”
Hopwood added that among his many attributes are his tireless campaigning for independence; his commitment to Pan-Africanism; his pragmatic rather than ideological approach to politics; his commitment to a unified Namibia; his abstemious lifestyle in contrast to other kleptomaniac leaders; his common touch with ordinary people, which assured his successive electoral victories.
The spokesperson of the Independent Patriots of Change Imms Nashinge thanked God for keeping Nujoma healthy, for strength from the days when things were difficult to the last days in office and for continued protection.
“I think really, the achievements we have are commendable and we must continue guarding the peace, the stability. We just wish him more, having him around is really a good thing for us.”
Nashinge wished Nujoma could continue inspiring others, especially the younger generation, as a father figure for all.
Landless People’s Movement spokesperson Lifazala Simataa expressed appreciation to the founding president for his contribution to the liberation of the country, as well as for his efforts alongside the efforts of many other Namibians, institutions, movements, and foreign entities to help Namibia become free from the oppressive apartheid regime.
“He also was a leader who didn’t fall into the desire for power like many other leaders; he left power in a dignified manner, and allowed democracy to take place.
It is on this foundation that we continue to express that democracy should continue to take place and that Namibians learn from our history, understand the value of the democracy they enjoy due to such past efforts, and best utilise these freedoms and rights to their full extent,” Simataa commented.
Political analyst Rui Tyitende said the founding president will always be an incomparable political giant, and his contribution to Namibia’s liberation struggle cannot be measured.
“You cannot compare him to any other political figure post-independence. His contribution to the liberation struggle is immeasurable. His contribution towards making a positive impact on the Namibian people’s lives is immeasurable.
What he stood for in terms of values and principles and his policy on national reconciliation are actually what set the pace for social cohesion and national unity in our country. So, I think each and every Namibian should value him while he is still alive and give him his flowers while he is still alive,” he added.
Elijah Ngurare Manongo, who attended the small gathering of friends and family to celebrate Nujoma’s birthday on Sunday, relayed an appreciation message from Nujoma in which he called for unity and nation-building and concluded with the slogan: “Swapo, United; Swapo, Victorious; A luta continua; vitória é certa.”
Nujoma was born to Tatekulu Daniel Uutoni Nujoma and Meekulu Helvi Mpingana Kondombolo on 12 May 1929, and hails from Aakwanangombe, his paternal clan, and Aakwambashu, his maternal clan, from the pathways of the Uukwambi Royal Family and Ongandjera Royal Palace, where he was raised.
Nujoma launched the Namibian Modern Struggle on 26 August 1966 and led the protracted armed liberation struggle with a sense of purpose to its successful conclusion when the PLAN combatants victoriously returned to Windhoek soaked in blood and sweat.
All this effort eventually led to Namibia’s freedom and independence from the then brutal apartheid South Africa regime on 21 March 1990.
During his lifetime, Nujoma was bestowed with numerous honours and awards for his outstanding leadership, courage and total commitment towards the creation of a non-racial society in Namibia.
He has been conferred the title of Founding Father of the Namibian Nation by Act 16 of 2005 of the Namibian Parliament and bestowed the title of Leader of the Namibian Revolution by the Swapo Party’s 4th Congress of 2007 for his selfless sacrifices, unwavering commitment, and service to humanity.