Former president Nangolo Mbumba has been hailed for a lifetime of sacrifice, patriotism and service to Namibia as he celebrates his 85th birthday.
In her statement on Saturday, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulates Mbumba, describing him as a veteran of the liberation struggle, an elder statesman and devoted servant of the Namibian people.
Nandi-Ndaitwah says Mbumba belonged to a generation of Namibians who answered the call of history when freedom was not guaranteed and service to the country demanded personal sacrifice.
“Through Swapo, Mbumba contributed to the liberation struggle that ended colonial oppression and paved the way for an independent Namibia,” she says.
After Independence in 1990, she says he continued serving in government and contributed to building and strengthening the institutions of Namibia’s young democracy.
The president says Mbumba was known for loyalty, humility, discipline and a strong commitment to duty.
His leadership was again tested following the death of former president Hage Geingob in February 2024, when Mbumba assumed the presidency during a period of national grief and uncertainty.
Nandi-Ndaitwah says Mbumba handled the transition with calmness, dignity and constitutional responsibility, placing the country before himself.
She says his 85th birthday is more than a celebration of age. It is an opportunity to honour decades of service stretching from the liberation struggle to the highest office in the land.
“Happy 85th birthday, comrade president Nangolo Mbumba, ” Nandi-Ndaitwah says, wishing him continued good health, strength, peace and happiness.
