With deep sorrow, yet profound gratitude, Namibia bids farewell to a giant of history, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia, Father of the Namibian Nation, and an indomitable liberation icon, Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.

The passing of Namibia’s founding president and revered anti-apartheid icon marks the end of an era, not just for Namibia, but for the entire African continent. 

Dr Nujoma was the last of a generation of African revolutionary leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Robert Mugabe, Kenneth Kaunda, Samora Machel, and Julius Nyerere who liberated their nations from colonial rule at a time when independence was deemed politically unfashionable in the global South.

His passing on 8 February 2025 is a clarion reminder that there was indeed a time in Africa when giants walked the earth—leaders who defied imperialism, fought against oppression, and laid the foundations for self-determination.

A legacy of liberation, nation-building

Born on 12 May 1929 in Etunda, Omusati region, Dr Nujoma’s life was shaped by the harsh realities of colonial oppression. 

Namibia, then known as South-West Africa, had suffered decades of looting and brutal occupation, first under German rule (1884-1915), which saw the genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama people, and later under apartheid South Africa (1915-1990), which extended its racist laws to the country, denying black Namibians political, social, and economic freedoms.

From humble beginnings, Nujoma rose to become the torchbearer of Namibia’s liberation struggle, drawing inspiration from early resistance leaders such as Hendrik Witbooi, Samuel Maharero, and Jakob Marengo. 

His political activism began in the 1950s through trade unions, where he became increasingly aware of the injustices of the contract labour system.

By 1959, he led mass protests against apartheid policies, culminating in the Old Location Massacre. After his arrest and threats of deportation, his party, the Owamboland People’s Organisation (OPO)—which later became Swapo—decided he should go into exile to lobby the United Nations for Namibia’s independence.

At just 30 years old, Nujoma embarked on a dangerous journey into exile, travelling under false identities, crossing borders undetected, and eventually reaching the United Nations in New York with the backing of Liberian authorities. 

From there, he continued petitioning the world for Namibia’s freedom, even as South Africa branded him a “Marxist terrorist”.

Despite multiple arrests and deportations, Nujoma never wavered. By 1966, he had marshalled the armed resistance, leading the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) in a protracted guerrilla war against the apartheid regime. With support from Cuba and Angola, Swapo fighters waged relentless attacks against South African military bases, forcing Pretoria to the negotiating table.

As the Western Contact Group (WCG) and the United Nations Security Council attempted to broker a settlement, South Africa engaged in delaying tactics. However, by the late 1980s, under mounting international pressure and growing military losses, South Africa was forced to accept Namibia’s independence.

The triumph of independence

On 21 March 1990, Namibia finally took its place among the free nations of the world. As Dr. Nujoma stood before the nation, his words captured the triumph of a people who had endured over a century of oppression:

“Today, our hearts are filled with great joy and jubilation because our deepest and longest yearning has been realised… A new star has risen on the African continent. Africa’s last colony is, from this hour, liberated.”

With these words, Namibia stepped into a new dawn, led by a man whose courage, vision, and determination would shape the country for generations to come.

A true servant of the people

As Namibia’s first president, Dr. Nujoma laid the foundation for national unity, economic growth, and social development. He introduced the policy of National Reconciliation, uniting a nation divided by racial oppression, war, and propaganda.

Under his leadership:

Democracy was entrenched, with respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Economic progress was prioritised, ensuring stability for international development.

Education and rural development became key national agendas, fostering empowerment for previously marginalised communities.

Women’s rights were championed, with legal protections introduced to prevent the eviction of widows and hold absent fathers accountable for child support.

Despite international calls to dismantle apartheid structures overnight, Nujoma chose a pragmatic approach, ensuring stability while advancing the goals of an inclusive, non-racial society.

Even after stepping down in 2005, he remained a guiding force—an elder statesman whose wisdom continued to shape Namibia’s future.

A nation in mourning

As the news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across Namibia, Africa, and the world. Flags have been lowered, songs of remembrance echo across the land, and a nation stands still to honour a man who gave everything so that Namibia could be free.

President Nangolo Mbumba captured the sentiment of the nation when he said:

“Our venerable leader, Dr Nujoma, did not only blaze the trail to freedom, but he also inspired us to rise to our feet and become masters of this vast land of our ancestors.”

At his residence, mourners gather in solemn reflection, remembering a leader, a father, and a hero. Words may fail to capture the depth of this loss, but Namibia will forever honour his sacrifice, his vision, and his undying love for his people.

Dr Nujoma’s final call

As we bid farewell, we recall his own words from that historic day in 1990:

“To the Namibian people, I would like to state, on this solemn occasion, that our nation blazed the trail to freedom. 

It has arisen to its feet. As of today, we are masters of this vast land of our ancestors. The destiny of this country is now fully in our own hands.” Today, as we mourn his passing, we take up the call to continue his legacy. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the unity, development, and prosperity of Namibia.

A legacy beyond borders

Dr Nujoma’s contributions extended beyond Namibia. His unwavering Pan-Africanist beliefs saw him supporting anti-colonial movements across Africa, standing in solidarity with liberation struggles in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, and beyond. His firm stance against Western interference and his uncompromising rhetoric sometimes sparked controversy, but his commitment to Africa’s self-determination was never in doubt. Nujoma’s unwavering dedication to the liberation struggle and nation-building after independence will forever be remembered. To honour his legacy, we must uphold the values he championed: unity, resilience, and national pride.

As we reflect on his life, we acknowledge the complexities of leadership, his fierce patriotism, bold convictions, and at times, his uncompromising approach. 

However, history will remember him not for his words, but for his deeds as the man who led Namibia from the darkness of colonial rule into the light of independence.

Revolutionaries never die. We shall forever remain pioneers of the struggle.Rest in Power, Father of the Namibian Nation. Rest in Eternal Glory, Liberation Icon.

*Lot Ndamanomhata is a graduate of Public Management, Journalism and Communication. This article reflects his views and he writes entirely in his own capacity.