Sam Nujoma, the revered independence Leader who steered Namibia to freedom from apartheid South Africa and served as the country’s first President for 15 years, has passed away at the age of 95 on February 8.
His death was announced by current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba on February 9. He confirmed that Nujoma died on Saturday night after a period of medical treatment in Windhoek. Mbumba expressed deep sorrow, describing Nujoma as the “gallant son of the land” whose passing had shaken the very foundations of Namibia.
Nujoma’s legacy as the father of the Nation is enshrined in his pivotal role in leading the country to democracy after decades of colonial rule and a brutal war for independence.
Nujoma, who led the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) for 47 years, spent nearly three decades in exile before returning to Namibia in 1989 for the first democratic elections in the country’s history. His leadership during the liberation struggle against South African rule earned him respect not only in Namibia but also across Africa. As Namibia’s first president from 1990 to 2005, Nujoma was credited with overseeing a period of national reconciliation and economic stability following the country’s independence.
His pragmatic approach, including involving white businessmen in the government, was crucial in healing the wounds of the liberation war and establishing Namibia as a peaceful and stable democracy.
While his leadership was lauded at home, Nujoma was also known for his fiery rhetoric on the international stage. He courted controversy with his outspoken views, including his claims about AIDS being a man-made biological weapon and his condemnation of homosexuality as a “foreign and corrupt ideology.” His tenure saw him build strong alliances with countries such as Cuba, North Korea, and China, while also balancing relations with Western powers. Despite these confrontations, Nujoma’s impact on the advancement of women in Namibian society was undeniable, with the country electing its first female president just a year ago. His life, from humble beginnings to becoming a liberation icon, remains a testament to his unwavering dedication to Namibia’s freedom and development.