A number of business people and leaders have expressed shock at founding president Sam Nujoma’s death in Windhoek on Saturday, describing him as a “visionary African giant”.
Namibia Local Businesses Association (Naloba) vice president Peter Kanu Amadhila says the association is deeply saddened by the death of Nujoma, who dedicated his entire life to the well-being of Namibia and its people.
“He was a true dedicated and inspiring leader among our African nations and the globe.
His legacy will live with us forever. As dedicated entrepreneurs of our country, Naloba calls for resilience and unity among the Namibian nation and the world as we pay tribute and celebrate our founding president.
“Let us embrace his entire family and friends and give them support and courage during this difficult time. May the soul of our lifetime leader rest in peace.
“Long live president Sam Nujoma.”
Walvis Bay Corridor Group chief executive officer (CEO) Hippy Tjivikua says Nujoma played in his own league with the likes of South African liberation icon Nelson Mandela, Samora Machel of Mozambique, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and other nationalists.
“He was a man of humility and principle, and could take decisions. This is the time for Namibians to celebrate his life, as he was instrumental in the country’s liberation,” he says.
PEACE PIONEER
Tjivikua says Nujoma saved Namibia from a possible bloodbath and disintegration by adopting a policy of national reconciliation, laying the foundation for the peace Namibians enjoy today.
“He was instrumental in bringing about the 50-50 gender equality, which has resulted in Namibia having a woman president-elect as well as prime minister.
“He regarded education highly and went back to school after independence, acquiring a degree in geology.
He also developed the concept of the trade corridors from Walvis Bay we are benefitting from today,” he says.
Statistician general Alex Shimuafeni says apart from being a fearless leader, Nujoma was a visionary leader as he decided to go into the unknown into exile to liberate the country from apartheid.
“His visionary quality was also demonstrated through some big dreams, such as Vision 2030, the Trans-Kalahari road network, et cetera. Let us cherish and build on those leadership qualities he had,” he says.
Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda says: “Tate Sam Nujoma was a fearless man in the face of adversity, driven by the unselfish need to liberate Namibians from the claws of an apartheid system that denied Namibians their dignity.
“He put country first – creating opportunities for generations. Without him, we would still be second-rate citizens in our motherland.
“Long live the legacy of Tate Sam Nujoma.”
He will forever be remembered and respected as the fearless man who opened the door of opportunity for them too, Shanapinda says.
Agronomy Producers’ Association chairperson Gerald Engelbrecht says Nujoma will be greatly missed by all Namibians.
“He laid the foundation for peace in the country through his call for reconciliation so Namibians must continue to honour his legacy,” he says.
Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, a senior lecturer in economics at the University of Namibia, describes Nujoma as a great revolutionary and fallen visionary leader.
“The name Sam Nujoma is synonymous with the name Namibia.
Not only did he contribute immensely to Namibian independence by heralding our armed struggle against the colonial forces of apartheid, which served as proxy for Western capitalism and imperialism, he also passionately and tirelessly worked on nation-building and the economic emancipation of the downtrodden.
“I will remember him as the fearless revolutionary and visionary leader he was. To the father of the nation, I can only say: Iyaloo tate kulu.”
Osino Gold Exploration and Mining spokesperson Laschandre Coetzee says Nujoma was a visionary leader and champion of independence.
“Nujoma’s unwavering dedication to Namibia’s freedom, unity and progress will forever be remembered. His legacy will no doubt continue to inspire generations,” she says.
Trigon Metals vice president Fanie Müller says: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founding father, and extend our deepest condolences to the family.
“As we mourn his loss, we will remember his excellency as a true servant leader and an enduring symbol of compassion, courage and integrity. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of every Namibian.”
Tour operator David James says Nujoma demonstrated true selflessness and sacrificed his life for the freedom Nambians enjoy today.
Another tour operator, Heinrich Hafeni, says Nujoma was cut “from different cloth”.
“He took everybody into Swapo, including the likes of Anton Lubowski and others, and did not bring radical economics into the country.”
– email: matthew@namibiancom.na
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