Nujoma – the glue that bound the nation

“Today, we are not here as Nama or Herero women, we stand here to represent everyone. His leadership taught us that we are stronger together, regardless of our backgrounds.”

These were the words of Goreangab resident Hope Francis, who was among thousands who came to bid founding president Sam Nujoma farewell at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek on Saturday.

Francis was clad in colourful Herero traditional dress, while her sister donned Nama attire.

She said their outfits symbolised their appreciation for Nujoma’s “vision of a united Namibia”.

“Our outfits are inspired by our founding father’s passion for unity,” she said.

‘WE NO LONGER NEED PERMITS’

Pewa Tjatindi arrived via public bus from Windhoek’s Havana informal settlement in the early morning to witness history.

She fought back tears, remembering a time when permits were required to enter Windhoek under the South Africa apartheid government. During the 1960s, Tjatindi said she and other residents needed permits to travel, and thanked Nujoma for her freedom of movement.

This, she said, is what inspired her to send off the commander-in-chief who led the liberation army in the struggle.

“Today we can move freely in our own land, thanks to his sacrifices and leadership.

Please don’t make me cry…”
A sea of national flags filled the venue, along with a mixture of grief and celebration.

The day before, thousands gathered at Independence Stadium where rain interrupted the memorial, but did not discourage the crowd. On Saturday, mourners braved the glaring sun.

MOURNERS FROM FAR AND WIDE

Kauapanga Tjisemo, Maijerepi Mbinge and Hepute Kaunanuka told The Namibian that 70 Opuwo residents travelled 739 kilometres to Windhoek with government assistance to represent the Opuwo Traditional Authority.

“We came to pay our last respects to the great leader who freed our country and who helped us. We are here to represent the people of Opuwo,” Tjisemo said.

“We came all the way from Epukiro last night to pay our last respects to our founding president,” said Tuamanovandu Tjirera-Murangi from the Epukiro constituency.

He said they drove 303 kilometres on Friday and were provided with meals, although they had to find their own accommodation.
Emilia Murerua described the funeral as a moment of closure for many Namibians.

“To be here and bear witness brings closure to our hearts as a nation. We have been mourning for the past three weeks and now we have brought our president to his final resting place,” she said.

Isack Hamata said Nujoma’s funeral reminded him of the unity they felt when Nujoma returned to Namibia in 1989 after being in exile for 30 years.

“I remember very well where I was; we congregated under a tree at Martin Luther High School [at Okombahe] and sang liberation songs,” he said.

Elsina Gawanas said she and her family, as well as 60 residents of Groot- Aub had made use of the buses provided by the government to transport them to Heroes’ Acre.

THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT

The atmosphere at Heroes’ Acre was one of deep reflection and national pride.

People from all walks of life had gathered to honour Nujoma. Mourners stood shoulder to shoulder, watching on the screen as Nujoma’s casket was carried one last time before he was laid to rest.

Tears streamed down their cheeks, some hiding behind their hands as they waved their flags during the 21-gun salute.

Among them was Daniel Awambo, who took a moment to observe the diverse crowd, noting how it reflected the inclusivity that Nujoma had fought for throughout his life.

“We are here, along with the public, to send him off in the true spirit he represented; a spirit of unity and a spirit of pan-Africanism. He would be happy,” he said.

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