Festus Hamalwa
Lahja Nashuuta
Victoria Immanuel
A sense of grief engulfed Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek yesterday morning as the body of Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Shafishuna Nujoma was airlifted to the north of the country for a series of memorial services.
A brief military parade was held at the airport as the late president’s casket, draped in the Namibian flag, was escorted by high-ranking officials. Among those present were President Nangolo Mbumba, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, labour minister Utoni Nujoma, and other government dignitaries, who gathered to witness the solemn departure.
Seated next to President Mbumba were Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, former Prime Minister Nahas Angula, and family members, all dressed in black as they watched military generals carefully wheeling the casket into the aircraft.
No speeches were made. Just a solemn tribute – military style – in honour of Nujoma as the Shaanxi Y-9E aircraft prepared to take off.
Soon it was time, and the military aircraft took off, destined for the Andimba Toivo ya Toivo airport in Ondangwa, in Oshana region.
Ondangwa airport
Thousands of people from across the northern regions gathered in large numbers at the Andimba Toivo ya Toivo airport to pay their respects to Founding President Nujoma.
Along the road from Ondangwa, groups of people were gathered, carrying Namibian flags. While the body was on the way to Etunda, more school learners lined the roads, singing songs and bidding farewell to the country’s Founding President.
Even people working in mahangu fields, and street vendors, abandoned their work to rush to the roadside to watch the procession drive past.
There was heavy traffic from Ondangwa to Etunda.
Inspector General of Nampol, Joseph Shikongo, said he was pleased with how motorists complied with the regulations.
“No car accidents were reported. The police did a good job ensuring that law and order were maintained,” he added.
Shikongo urged motorists to continue complying with the instructions set by the police as more memorial services are scheduled to take place in other regions.
Meanwhile, some people broke into tears upon seeing the casket of the Founding President.
Those who spoke to New Era at Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport described Nujoma as a caring man.
Etunda memorial
People from northern Namibia gathered at the Nujoma family home in Etunda village yesterday afternoon where they paid last respects and viewed the body of the Founding President.
Another memorial service will be held today in Eenhana, in Ohangwena region.
Nujoma was born on 12 May, 1929, in Etunda, Omusati region. He was a pivotal figure in Namibia’s journey to independence.
As the first born in a family of 11, he spent his early years herding cattle and attending a Finnish missionary school in Okahao.
In the 1950s, Nujoma became active in anti-colonial politics, leading to the founding of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in 1960.
During the memorial service, many reflected on his contributions to Namibia, remembering his role in the country’s fight for independence and development.
Community members, leaders, and family members shared memories of Nujoma, honouring his legacy and dedication to the nation.
Retired Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (Elcin) Bishop Kleopas Dumeni (94) narrated how he helped Nujoma, reunite with his mother Helvi Kondombolo, after 26 years apart.
Speaking at Etunda, Nujoma’s home village, Dumeni said he arranged for Helvi to travel under the pretext of seeking medical treatment in Finland.
“I wanted her to meet her son because they had not seen each other for 26 years. When he left the country, Sam was still young,” Dumeni told New Era yesterday.
He said Helvi had suffered at the hands of the brutal apartheid forces, who assaulted her while they searched for Nujoma.
To help her travel, Dumeni sent her with a nurse, Nuusita Amakutuwa, who later married Nujoma’s son, Utoni.
Dumeni recalled meeting Nujoma many times in New York, Finland, and Geneva before Namibia gained independence.
During those years, Helvi would send messages to her son through him. Etunda residents are grateful for opportunity to honor Nujoma.
Daniel Shaanika from Etunda and other residents expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pay last respects to Namibia’s founding president.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to bid farewell to our founding father,” he said.
Many attendees reflected on Nujoma’s contributions to Namibia’s independence and development, remembering him as a dedicated leader who shaped the nation’s future.
Nujoma fled Namibia in February 1960 through Botswana and only returned in September 1989.