Maria Namundjebo, a pioneer in photojournalism and former senior photographer to Namibia’s late Founding President Sam Nujoma, has dedicated her career to documenting moments that would shape the nation’s history.
As the personal photographer to one of Africa’s most revered leaders, Namundjebo’s work goes beyond mere photography; it’s an enduring record of a nation’s struggle, triumphs and leadership.
“Photography has always been my passion. I was driven by the desire to preserve the moments that define our nation and its leaders, ensuring they were documented with both accuracy and artistry,” she reflected.
In 1998, her skills were recognised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, paving the way for her role as the photographer for Nujoma. From 2001 to 2005, she had the rare honour of photographing the president during pivotal moments of his presidency.
“Nujoma was a leader who deeply understood the power of visual documentation. He never sought the camera but recognised its significance. He allowed us to do our jobs, focusing on the task at hand.” While not always posing for photos, Nujoma’s dignity and presence allowed Namundjebo to capture the essence of his leadership.
The first time she encountered Nujoma was in 1998 during a Brazilian business delegation’s visit. “His presence was commanding and dignified, and it shaped how I approached photographing him – to capture not only his strength, but his humanity,” she said. One particularly memorable moment came during a State visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini in 2004. Namundjebo found herself in a unique situation when security stopped her from wearing trousers, as Swati culture requires women to wear skirts or dresses in the royal palace. In a quick fix, she wrapped her trousers and adopted the traditional attire. When Nujoma saw her, he burst into laughter, teasing her for looking like a Swati woman.
“That moment remains a fond memory of how considerate and warm he was towards those around him,” she said.
Nujoma’s influence extended beyond the realm of politics. For Namundjebo, he was like a father figure – a mentor who saw her potential, and encouraged her to excel in the male-dominated field of photography.
He recognised her contributions, proudly introducing her to global counterparts, and praising her for breaking barriers as a female photographer. Namundjebo credits much of her success to Nujoma’s guidance, which included privately funding her studies at the College of Photography in Pretoria in 2005.
She adds that he urged her to empower and extend a helping hand to fellow Namibians.
In 2014, she sponsored the Editors Forum of Namibia to enable them to send a trainee to Wits Radio Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa. Furthermore, with her work, Namundjebo sought to capture not just the leader, but the moments that defined his presidency – from interactions with ordinary Namibians to international diplomatic engagements. “His belief in the power of photography to document history has always inspired me. He believed our work could preserve the past for future generations,” she reflected. As a female photographer, Namundjebo faced significant challenges in a male-dominated industry. Yet, her professionalism and perseverance won the respect of her peers. “Men in the industry sometimes tried to push me aside, but I proved myself through my work,” she recalled.
Some of the most iconic moments she captured include Nujoma’s visits to local development projects, national celebrations such as Independence Day, and interactions with world leaders during State visits and international summits.
Throughout her career, there were difficult moments, such as when photographing national memorials, or attending international funerals.
“The atmosphere was often heavy, but it was important to remain composed and respectful while capturing these profound moments,” Namundjebo shared.
Her photographs played a crucial role in shaping the public image of Nujoma, not just as a political leader, but as a statesman whose dedication to his people was unwavering.
“My images tell the story of his presidency, his engagement with the people, and his legacy as a global leader,” she added.
Looking back, she feels privileged to have captured these moments.
“I am honoured to have documented a global icon during such an important era in Namibia’s history,” she reflected. Her work continues to serve as a historical archive that will educate future generations about the nation’s journey. Namundjebo is now focused on preserving her work for future generations. She hopes to publish a book or hold exhibitions to share her collection with a wider audience.
“These images not only preserve our history, but also highlight the importance of documenting leadership, and the moments that define a nation,” she noted. Her work has already been featured in exhibitions worldwide, including in Nice, France, Bamako, Mali, and Bonn, Germany, cementing her role as one of Namibia’s most celebrated photojournalists.
– lmupetami@nepc.com.na