Nujoma praised for strategy and unity for a free Namibia

Founding president Sam Nujoma was praised by various speakers at a memorial service at Walvis Bay on Tuesday for his strategies that led to Namibia’s independence.

He was especially applauded for his passion for education and pushing towards the dream of economic independence for Namibians.

Representing the chief mourner, president Nangolo Mbumba, former Cabinet minister Ben Amathila said Nujoma planned the liberation struggle with excellent strategies, including organising weapons to assist with the fight for Namibia’s independence, ensuring that Namibians were educated during and after the liberation struggle and protecting the country’s resources.

“It was not easy for him. He was mocked and laughed at. They painted pictures about him to make him look bad to the people that he tried to liberate. Those who understood what it was, stood by him. In 1990 he managed to have Namibia liberated. Because of Nujoma the strategist, African states recognised and supported Swapo. There was overwhelming support at the United Nations,” Amathila said.

Amathila also urged Namibians to continue to strive for unity, which he said was always the dream of Nujoma.

Amathila noted that it was the reason why Walvis Bay returned to Namibia without violence.

“We are a small country and must be united. The whole lifespan of Nujoma you would find that unity was his goal. Losing each other will make us lose this country. Nujoma was a tolerant man who always said ‘forward always, backward never’. He took decisions and moved forward. He made his plans so beautifully and brought Walvis Bay back without firing a bullet,” Amathila said.

Former ambassador to Brazil and former Erongo governor Samuel Nuuyoma noted that Nujoma was driven by the belief that true freedom comes with economic independence, the empowerment of the people, and above all the transformative power of education.

Nuuyoma urged the youth to aspire to work towards their own development and to embrace the pursuit of scientific and technological knowledge to further the progress of Namibia.

“He championed education, agriculture and rural development areas that were paramount to uplifting the previously disadvantaged and marginalised people of Namibia. He knew that education was the key to building a prosperous, self-reliant and harmonious nation. Through his tireless efforts, Namibia was able to secure independence from colonial oppression,” he said.

Nuuyoma also appealed for the preservation of Nujoma’s dream of a united and prosperous Namibia, in order to keep his memory alive.

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