Nujoma remembered for emotional intelligence and pivotal role in economy

Founding president Sam Nujoma is remembered for his emotional intelligence and key contributions to the nation’s freedom and economy.

Swapo veteran Tjeripo Hijarunguru at a memorial service in Windhoek on Tuesday said the founding president was a man of high emotional intelligence.

“Nujoma had high emotional intelligence, which is important even when you are educated,” he said.

Hijarunguru said Nujoma was a historian who received a baton from other liberation fighters to bring Namibia freedom.

Bank of Namibia governor Johannes !Gawaxab said Nujoma laid the foundation for Namibia’s economic freedom in establishing the central bank.

“He secured assistance from Sweden to establish the bank,” !Gawaxab said.

He said Nujoma was faced with the hard task of building Namibia’s economy right after independence.

“Nujoma led Namibia’s economy at its hardest time just after independence. It was followed by a severe drought, and the policies he spearheaded are leading to a stable and financially sound system.”