ETUNDA – It is here in Etunda, some six kilometres outside Omusati’s regional capital, where Founding President Sam Nujoma was born, 95 years ago. 

The villagers here describe him as a kind and selfless man who always extended a helping hand to his neighbours. Yesterday, family, friends and traditional leaders gathered at his parents’ homestead to offer their condolences. Speaking to New Era at their homestead, Nujoma’s 75-year-old sister Julia Nujoma described her brother as a caring and peaceful man.

“He didn’t discriminate against anyone. My brother was a true leader who fought for the independence of Namibians,” she stated.

Nujoma leaves a big gap in the family because he was the breadwinner. He always told his grandchildren to study hard. He assisted everyone, including neighbours who were willing to go to school. Let’s mourn our brother peacefully, and celebrate his achievements,” she urged.

Meanwhile, one of Nujoma’s granddaughters Martha Amkwenye described him as a true believer in education, who ensured they completed their studies.

Amkwenye, who was raised at Nujoma’s homestead, remembered her grandfather as a man who spent most of his time with the family in the village.

“Whenever he came home, he would sit under the tree and tell us stories. We were always happy when our grandfather was around because he made us laugh,” she recalled. Another granddaughter, Hildda Iipinge, said while she was at university, her grandfather was a disciplinarian par excellence.

“Our grandfather did not like people who drink alcohol. He told us to focus on our studies,” she added.

Iipinge emphasised that Nujoma’s security personnel never stopped them from engaging with their grandfather. “We would play a traditional game called Owela in Oshiwambo. He was like my best friend,” she continued.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Shikongo (12), Nujoma’s great-grandson, said he never came home empty-handed.

“We enjoyed sweets from our grandfather. Whenever we heard the sound of his vehicle coming down the road, we would go out and wait for him,” he said.

Also speaking at the homestead, King Johannes Mupiya of Ovangandjera described Nujoma as a true and dedicated leader.

“Nujoma fulfilled his responsibilities. He was a man who loved peace and unity,” Mupiya said.

Selma Iiyambo, a neighbour, said they were treated like family.

“My children would come home with school uniforms provided by Nujoma. If a parent struggled to pay school fees, Nujoma was always ready to help,” she added. Retired police officer Tobias Shikongo, who worked in Nujoma’s office, described the founding president as a fearless fighter.

“I was assigned to pass messages to his doctor when he was sick,” he said. Shikongo noted that Nujoma was a man who treated people equally and with respect.

-fhamalwa@nepc.com.na