Festus Hamalwa
Over 3 000 guests, including various high-ranking officials and prominent community members from across the country, attended the 94th birthday celebration of the Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, at his homestead in the Etunda village in Omusati region. Nujoma turned 94 years of age on Friday. He was born on 12 May 1929.
The Founding Father was honoured with gifts from various people including the veterans of the liberation struggle and Swapo party. Several speakers hailed the 94-year-old’s unwavering contribution to the cause of Namibia’s freedom and independence.
Nujoma has been described as not only a shoulder to cry on for his parents but for all those with whom he has come into contact with throughout his lifetime. As a baby boy, Nujoma was born in the Etunda village and would rise against all odds to become an icon of the liberation struggle.
He is the firstborn in a family of 11, and when he grew older, a mammoth task was bestowed on him. This was something he probably was unaware of when he started looking after his parent’s livestock. Years later, Nujoma would become a fearless leader of Namibia’s liberation movement through the Owambo People’s Organisation, which later transformed into the South West African People’s Organisation (Swapo).
Along with others who took up arms, Nujoma became good friends with the bush and navigated every danger in it. At Friday’s birthday celebration, Swapo veteran Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana read President Hage Geingob’s speech.
“I thank you, Cde Sam Nujoma, for the distinctive and steadfast leadership you provided to the Namibian people. Your sacrifices and legacy are an inspiration to Namibians. Your achievements are cherished, and your elegance is mesmerizingly timeless,” Geingob stated.
The chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation, Nahas Angula, read a speech on behalf of the Founding President, thanking all those who contributed to the hosting of his 94th birthday.
He also highlighted the importance of the occasion, saying; “We are here to learn a lesson, a good lesson indeed, and that is a lesson in leadership. Leadership with a vision and mission. I urge young people of today to study the history of Dr Sam Nujoma for them to learn about leadership with a vision and mission.”
Also speaking on behalf of Nujoma’s children, Utoni Nujoma said he is honoured to have followed in his father’s footsteps and to continue fighting for Namibia, He then applauded his father’s unforgettable deeds that culminated in Namibia’s long-awaited independence.
- fhamalwa@nepc.com.na