No politics as Nujoma celebrates his birthday

AT least 2 000 people gathered at Etunda in the Omusati Region at the weekend to celebrate and honour President Sam Nujoma on his 75th birthday as well as his mother who turned 106.

Though undoubtedly at the back of the minds of many of those who attended the celebrations, the politics of succession was kept at bay during the official ceremonies. Instead, those present were treated to cultural dances from across Namibia and Spain.Eulogies flowed, but not even the flowery English of Prime Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab could beat the one by Sofia Asino, Nujoma’s sister, delivered in Oshiwambo with the eloquence of a praise singer.Even those who did not understand moaned with delight at the rhythm and melody of Asino’s words.President Nujoma himself acknowledged that tradition dictated that he not make speeches during the celebration of his birthday.Nevertheless, he read a two-page statement thanking and praising his wheelchair-bound mother, Kuku Helvi Mpingana gwaKondombolo, as an eternal source of inspiration for him.His father’s teachings about “the value of true friendship” had also been a “guiding light” in his life.Nujoma hailed the support of the international community for Namibian Independence, but stressed that a lot remained to be done.”History has taught us that progress and development can only take place where peace and stability prevail.”We must continue to promote unity in diversity as a source of strength and vitality in our nation-building efforts,” he said.The message must have been directed – pointedly – at the three ‘wannabe’ presidential candidates in the large yellow and white tents.Foreign Affairs Minister Hidipo Hamutenya arrived before official proceedings began, blending quickly into the crowd.The Minister of Lands, Hifikepunye Pohamba, came later in the middle of the programme.His arrival was publicly “acknowledged” over the loudspeakers.Higher Education Minister Nahas Angula arrived much later in a loose red and white stripe shirt covered with a vest made of animal skin.All were in the four northern regions of Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati to make their final appeals for support in the race for Swapo’s presidential candidacy.Though the President’s official celebrations were kept free of campaigning, the presence of so many of the delegates at the party was surely an opportunity to discuss the Swapo congress this week.President Nujoma was expected to meet with some of the delegates.Many expect him to put only one message across – in favour of Pohamba.Instead, those present were treated to cultural dances from across Namibia and Spain.Eulogies flowed, but not even the flowery English of Prime Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab could beat the one by Sofia Asino, Nujoma’s sister, delivered in Oshiwambo with the eloquence of a praise singer.Even those who did not understand moaned with delight at the rhythm and melody of Asino’s words.President Nujoma himself acknowledged that tradition dictated that he not make speeches during the celebration of his birthday.Nevertheless, he read a two-page statement thanking and praising his wheelchair-bound mother, Kuku Helvi Mpingana gwaKondombolo, as an eternal source of inspiration for him.His father’s teachings about “the value of true friendship” had also been a “guiding light” in his life.Nujoma hailed the support of the international community for Namibian Independence, but stressed that a lot remained to be done.”History has taught us that progress and development can only take place where peace and stability prevail.”We must continue to promote unity in diversity as a source of strength and vitality in our nation-building efforts,” he said.The message must have been directed – pointedly – at the three ‘wannabe’ presidential candidates in the large yellow and white tents.Foreign Affairs Minister Hidipo Hamutenya arrived before official proceedings began, blending quickly into the crowd.The Minister of Lands, Hifikepunye Pohamba, came later in the middle of the programme.His arrival was publicly “acknowledged” over the loudspeakers.Higher Education Minister Nahas Angula arrived much later in a loose red and white stripe shirt covered with a vest made of animal skin.All were in the four northern regions of Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati to make their final appeals for support in the race for Swapo’s presidential candidacy.Though the President’s official celebrations were kept free of campaigning, the presence of so many of the delegates at the party was surely an opportunity to discuss the Swapo congress this week.President Nujoma was expected to meet with some of the delegates.Many expect him to put only one message across – in favour of Pohamba.