The late founding president, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, had a strong connection with Terrace Bay, a place where he could enjoy one of his greatest passions, fishing.
His last visit to the resort was in 2021.
Upon arrival, he would waste no time dropping his bags and heading straight to the water to cast his fishing line into the Atlantic waves.
As the years passed and age began to take its toll, the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) staff assisted him by fishing on his behalf, with him jokingly saying he wanted the fish to be as big as he would have caught them.
Despite this, Nujoma always preferred to stay near the ocean for as long as possible, observing the weather patterns and taking in the coastal environment. It often required some effort to convince him to leave his fishing spot.
His connection with Terrace Bay was so significant that one of its houses was named after him, Tate Sam Nujoma’s House, as it is known.
The house remains a popular choice among regular anglers.
Additionally, his enthusiasm for fishing led to a well-known fishing spot named in his honour, ‘Nujoma’s Fishing Hole’.
One of the most notable aspects of his visits to Terrace Bay was his informal interactions with NWR staff and visitors. He walked around the resort freely, without a security detail, engaging with those around him.
Resort manager David Nekwaya recalls how he would call the staff together at the restaurant to share childhood stories.
“We would remind him, ‘Tate, we have to attend to our clients now,’ but he would insist we return later, as he had more stories to share,” Nekwaya says.
These storytelling sessions became cherished moments for those who had the opportunity to listen.
Nujoma’s appreciation for Terrace Bay was not limited to personal retreats. He frequently invited close associates, including the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, to join him on fishing trips.
Their shared experiences contributed to the history of this location.
Beyond fishing, Nujoma took great pride in maintaining Terrace Bay’s cleanliness and sustainability. He initiated cleaning campaigns, treating the place like his own jewel and ensuring it remained pristine for future visitors.
His commitment to the area extended beyond environmental efforts.
He played a crucial role in assisting the camp with establishing the Sam Nujoma Primary School, to complement the existing clinic and police station. His dedication to the development of Terrace Bay demonstrated his vision for a well rounded and sustainable community.
His presence at Terrace Bay will be remembered as we reflect on his death. His legacy remains in the ocean waves, the stories told by those who knew him and the fishing lines cast into the waters of ‘Nujoma’s Fishing Hole’.
His influence and love for the place will continue to be felt for years.
- – Nelson Ashipala is the NWR manager of corporate communication online media.
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