Should ‘Founding Fathers’ Be Exalted Above All Others?

The death of Namibia’s founding president, Sam ‘Shafiishuna’ Nujoma, is both a time for mourning and a time for reflection. 

As tributes pour in at home and from abroad, a debate has arisen: Should ‘founding fathers’ be exalted above all others, even in death? 

Does their legacy deserve extraordinary national expenditure and glorification?

This is an opportune moment to discuss the dual nature of founding figures – how they unify nations as symbols of identity, but also risk overshadowing collective leadership efforts.

As we mourn Nujoma, it is important to scrutinise the justification for the expenses surrounding his funeral and explore the implications of glorifying ‘founding fathers’ in general.

A ‘founding father’ is usually more than a political figure; they represent the birth of a nation and the struggles that paved the way for independence.

Nujoma, leader of our liberation struggle and the first president of an independent Namibia, fits this role perfectly.

His contributions to the country’s sovereignty, development and stability are undeniable.

In honouring him, Namibia is not only paying its respects to a man, we are also acknowledging historical sacrifices and the collective journey toward self-determination.

EXCEPTIONAL LEADERS

Founding presidents like Nujoma, Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and Julius Nyerere in Tanzania, played irreplaceable roles in shaping their nations. Their stories are an inspiration for future generations and highlight patriotism and unity. 

While critics often argue against allocating substantial public funds for state funerals, suggesting the money could be better spent on pressing socio-economic issues, the counterargument is clear: The passing of a ‘founding father’ is a once-in-history event. 

Namibia’s mourning period and the financial commitments to Nujoma’s funeral reflect his exceptional place in the nation’s identity.

The expenditure is not just about the funeral, but about preserving our unity at a time of loss. 

The monumental farewell given to Mandela in 2013 set a precedent for such commemorations, acknowledging that some figures transcend ordinary leadership.

However, the challenge lies in how Nujoma is remembered.

There is a fine line between celebration and excessive glorification, which can hinder democratic growth. 

HONOURING THE TRUTH

In some cases, founding figures are mythologised, becoming infallible and untouchable.

This often shields their legacies from critique and revision.

We have seen this in nations where leaders’ names are etched into constitutions or their images dominate state narratives, sometimes at the expense of democratic evolution.

In Namibia, we must strike a balance.

Nujoma’s funeral should be majestic, and his contributions immortalised in our collective memory.

However, his legacy must not become a tool for political entrenchment. 

Honouring him should not discourage critical discussion of his leadership, nor overshadow the contributions of others in Namibia’s liberation and development.

When the voices of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and other community call on his stance regarding their place in society, or when the survivors of the Lubango dungeons seek justice and closure, Nujoma’s legacy should remain open to discussion. 

The narrative of a ‘founding father’ can obscure the broader collective effort that led to independence.

Many unsung heroes from an array of backgrounds played a vital role in Namibia’s struggle – liberation fighters, trade unionists, workers, students, grassroots activists, and lesser known leaders.

As we mourn Nujoma, we must ensure these contributions are also acknowledged.

THE POWER OF LEGACY

Nujoma’s death is a moment in Namibia’s history, a singular event, that deserves every measure of grandeur.

It is fitting that the nation unites in honouring him at the highest level.

The expense and tributes are justified in commemorating a leader who played a defining role in Namibia’s liberation and the nation’s ongoing development.

However, as we move forward, we must ensure that Nujoma’s legacy does not overshadow the principles he fought for.

His leadership should be celebrated as part of a larger, evolving story of national progress.

In honouring the collective leadership of all our presidents and liberation figures, Namibia can build a stronger, more inclusive historical narrative.

The legacy of a ‘founding father’ is powerful but the future belongs to the nation they helped create, one that continues to evolve beyond any single figure.

Nujoma’s name will – and should – live on, but Namibia must also embrace the shared efforts that continue to shape its destiny. 

Tulumukwa mombili, tatekulu (Rest in peace, grandfather).

The next generation is ready to lead.

• Vaino Hangula is a marketing and communications specialist. He is a social justice activist and a member of the Affirmative Repositioning Movement. The views expressed here are entirely his own; hangula@gmail.com

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