Linea Dishena

Land reform minister and veteran politician-cum-technocrat Calle Schlettwein has heaped praise on Founding President Sam Nujoma for not only freeing the oppressed, but also liberating those who were privileged. 

Schlettwein said this made peaceful co-existence in Namibia possible.
Speaking at a memorial service held by the Namibian Mission in the United States of America in Washington on Monday, the minister said Nujoma was an embodiment of reconciliation, as he did not just preach it, but lived it.

He said as a young man, he lived in a very polarised society, where Nujoma was, on the one hand, portrayed as an evil man who would destroy all values and peace, and who sought to either “chase the community into the sea” or eliminate them.

On the other hand, he was praised as a fearless freedom fighter leading a rebellion against oppression and Apartheid, where the majority were deprived of their rights, dignity and livelihoods.

“I personally experienced that polarisation to the strongest. But through the influence of some teachers, friends in the Swapo internal leadership, I was swayed that the struggle is a good struggle – a battle for all Namibians,” said Schlettwein.

He added that he consequently joined the struggle in the mid-1980s, a decision that left those close to him dismayed, but which was celebrated by many Namibians.
He said Nujoma’s influence was life-changing, as he embraced him and other members of the White community who joined the struggle, giving them his full trust and empathy.

“We were considered nothing less than comrades,” Schlettwein said.
He highlighted Nujoma’s commitment to reconciliation by noting the trust the late leader placed in him, appointing him as a permanent secretary (now executive director) in key ministries, including agriculture, youth and sport, fisheries, labour, finance, and trade.

On the political front, Nujoma entrusted him with the role of secretary of the Swapo Politburo in 1994, a position he held until 2010.
“It was through him that all Namibians are living together peacefully. It was through him that we learned to respect fellow Namibians. 

It was to his credit that we are living in a democracy that creates living space for all,” said Schlettwein.
He went on to say that Nujoma “liberated not only the oppressed, but he liberated me as a privileged person too”.
“The experience of being liberated as a privileged person is the most valuable experience in my life.

To be fully-embraced as an equal is an experience very few can share, but is the most rewarding. I’m so grateful that he showed me the way,” he remarked.
Schlettwein said he is sharing his story because it resurfaces time and again in discussions about racial divides.

“It is better to be liberated. It is a good fight to fight. If you are not part of it, you are left out of many of the joys that life can offer,” he stated.
-Nampa