Seasoned videographer Hadley Mwashekeleh spent a significant part of his career documenting the Nujoma presidency.  Now in retirement, he recounts his extraordinary journey with Namibia’s late Founding President Sam Nujoma, who died on 8 February.

Mwashekeleh was in the thick of things, capturing Nujoma as he confronted the most tumultuous climate of Namibia’s political landscape, just shortly after the dawn of independence in 1990. It was an open secret that Nujoma had to lead a country which had just emerged from a divisive apartheid regime, and unite former warring foes.

Videographing the founding president of a nation was not an easy feat.

“You have one chance – literally. Everything must be perfect, especially when you’re capturing the highest office- bearer in the land,” the veteran said.

The pressure to deliver the best work was immense and always required them to be on their A-game. “Missed opportunities in this field are irreplaceable, and each shot must reflect the truth, the leadership and the gravity of the moment. Nujoma, as president, had no choice but to be documented.  It’s not just about capturing footage; it’s about preserving history, about creating a visual record of his legacy for future generations to reflect upon, to understand his successes, his challenges and his dedication to Namibia,” Mwashekeleh noted.

His first impression of Nujoma was one of deep respect. “I saw him as a disciplined commander – someone who had fought for Namibia’s independence, and who expected the same level of commitment and focus from those around him,” he said. Nujoma’s leadership, grounded in discipline, was clear from the start.

“He didn’t want anyone to be part of the story; he wanted the story to speak for itself. It was a lesson in integrity and professionalism,” he continued.

The moment

One moment which stands out for Mwashekeleh was during a trip to Swaziland, where strict security protocols were in place for the royal family. “I had to find a way to get close to the president and the king for the perfect shot. The security guards were furious with me, but with the president’s presence, they couldn’t touch me. It was one of those rare moments where, through sheer determination, I was able to do my job—safely and effectively,” he recalled. Another moment, still vivid in his memory, is a trip to Zimbabwe, where the delegation arrived at the airport, only to realise there were not enough cars for everyone.

“The president saw us standing there, lost, without transportation. He immediately instructed the driver to stop, ensuring we could join the escort car behind him. That was the kind of leader he was—always thinking of his people first,” he reminisced.

Relationship

As time went by, Mwashekeleh’s relationship with Nujoma grew.

He came to see the president as more than just a leader. “He was like a father figure to me. Our families had known each other long before I ever picked up a camera,” he reflected. His father, Levi Mwashekeleh, was a key figure in the struggle for Namibia’s independence, and a close ally of Nujoma. “My father was a Swapo coordinator in Tsumeb during the 1960s, working undercover to recruit new members for the Ovamboland People’s Organisation (OPO), forerunner of present-day SWAPO. Nujoma was a constant presence in our lives, guiding and supporting us through those difficult times,” he stated.

Mwashekeleh’s work with Nujoma was not just about videography; it was about documenting history and preserving the struggle for independence. “I was part of something much bigger than myself, and it was an honour to witness, first-hand, the development of a nation,” he added.

Nujoma, a staunch advocate for a pluralistic and independent press, had advice to Mwashekeleh and other aspiring photographers.

“Guard your independence jealously,” Nujoma would say, “because it wasn’t won easily.”

Nujoma often reminded them that their work – capturing history – was essential. “He would tell us, ‘When I am gone, you must tell the story as it was. No additions or omissions. Just the truth.”

Up close

Using his video camera, Mwashekeleh captured some of the most historic moments of Nujoma’s presidency.

“He would often wake us up at 04h00 to go on walks or swim. He was a man of discipline, always setting an example for us in health and lifestyle. But his impact went beyond his personal habits. He built schools, clinics and infrastructure to improve the lives of his people.”

In one of his most significant projects, Nujoma sought to develop a port at Cape Fria to ease the pressure on Walvis Bay.

His vision for the region was far-reaching—he even dreamed of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, hoping it would bring energy to the entire continent through the Inga Dam. “His vision was always bigger than Namibia; it was about the entire continent.”

Mwashekeleh takes pride that due to his work and that of his peers and those who followed, Nujoma’s work and Namibia’s history are well-documented for future generations.

“My visuals are archived, and used even today. That’s how I know my work has contributed to the legacy of our founding father,” he said with pride. “It’s humbling to know that my work will continue to be part of Namibia’s history,” he continued.

Mwashekeleh’s journey

Mwashekeleh, now retired from public broadcaster Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), was entrusted with the responsibility of documenting the late president’s life and legacy from 1992 until he left office in 2005.

“I’ve been passionate about photography since I was a young boy.

It started in primary school when I began photographing my schoolmates for a small fee. That passion grew throughout high school, where I photographed family events and celebrations, capturing the essence of those moments,” he said. 

After high school, Mwashekeleh’s journey led him to Germany, where he studied film production. Upon returning to Namibia, he joined the NBC, a pivotal decision that would change his life.

“How I got the chance to videograph the president, despite my relatively short time at the NBC, speaks volumes about the management’s recognition of my skills and commitment. I always poured my heart and soul into every project, ensuring that everything I did succeeded. It’s that level of dedication which earned me the prestigious task of photographing the president,” he beamed.

Looking back on his career, Mwashekeleh is grateful for the opportunity to document such a pivotal era in Namibia’s history. “It was an honour to serve the highest office in the land, to capture the moments that defined our country. 

It wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about being part of history, telling a story that would last forever.”

As for the future? Hadley is considering sharing his journey through a book. “I’ve been encouraged by friends to document my experiences, and I think it’s time to do so. I could call it ‘Interview with Hadley Mwashekeleh.’ 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na