Lahja Nashuuta
Praise rained on popular former president Hifikepunye Pohamba at the launch of his biography titled the ‘Footprints of Hifikepunye Pohamba’, held in Windhoek yesterday.
The biography, co-written by the former Head of State, provides a retrospective reflection on his journey pre- and post-independence.
It details his trials and tribulations in the quest to liberate the country, as well as challenges encountered and opportunities presented by specific conditions that led to the attainment of Namibia’s independence.
The book contained chapters about his diplomatic work in Zambia, Tanzania, Algeria, Egypt as well as his two presidential terms.
Struggle veteran Ben Amathila said, “The road to independence was not a walk in the park. This book is for every Namibian and all Africans, especially young ones and the born-frees. They have the right to complain about how they experience Namibia or Africa today, but they also have the right to know how we as a nation got our freedom and independence of our countries where our youth are not locked up for speaking out against oppression,” he said.
He said through the book, Pohamba tells this story as he experienced it, and even more, as he was part of shaping it.
“To put the story in perspective, he starts with his family history as far as remembered in Oukwanyama and Oukwangali, and with his grandfather Hamukoto fighting together with King Mandume against Portuguese and British colonists.
He tells us his story with characteristic honesty. It is a massive contribution to African historiography,” Amathila said.
Sharing similar sentiments was Kalumbi Shangula, chairperson of the Hifikepunye Pohamba Foundation.
The foundation advocates to support and promote Namibians through education by helping talented young Namibians who wish to pursue their studies in specific disciplines, especially in agricultural science and related fields.
Shangula said the biography forms part of the foundation’s efforts to source funds to be able to fund tertiary education for thousands of Namibian orphans and vulnerable children who are interested to study courses related to agriculture and food security.
The book costs N$450, and is available at the former president’s foundation. “We are encouraging you to meet the foundation halfway by buying the book.
Pohamba has described the authoring of his book as a tough exercise that is worth celebrating.
“What appeared to be mission impossible at first when the project was conceived, is today being realised,” he beamed.
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