Nujoma was a charming man – his niece

Elizabeth Joseph, a niece of founding president Sam Nujoma, on Monday described him as a constellation of kindness, charm and guidance.

“Tatekulu, as we called him at home, was more than a president, he was a great teacher to us, a very generous man, a guiding light and the most charming man I have ever met,” said Joseph while speaking on behalf of the Nujoma family at the regional memorial service at the Omulunga sport stadium at Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa region.

She said Nujoma had instilled discipline in most of his family members, including grandchildren, as he himself was an obedient son to his parents.
Joseph further said Nujoma assisted hundreds of Namibians who were sick by taking them to hospitals to receive medical treatment at his expense.

“He assisted many orphans with their education-related needs, and many of whom today have become professionals in this country,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, retired Namibian Defence Force chief lieutenant general Martin Shali thanked Nujoma for commanding the liberation struggle which brought independence to Namibia.

“I also would like to thank his widow, Kovambo Nujoma, and his family for looking after this iconic leader of Namibia,” he said.

Shali urged the Namibian people to continue with Nujoma’s legacy by rededicating themselves and bringing about the economic development Nujoma would like to have seen in Namibia.

Swapo Otjozondjupa regional coordinator Immanuel Namaseb said Nujoma will be happy wherever he is if he can see all Namibians fighting to achieve and maintain peace and stability in the country.

“As Namibians, we can still celebrate by maintaining peace; the legacy of this principled, fearless and selfless Nujoma who liberated Namibia from its political oppression,” said Namaseb.

Nujoma’s eulogy was read at the service by veteran politician Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, who serves as vice chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation.

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