South Africa stands with Namibia in mourning Sam Nujoma – Ramaphosa

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has extended condolences to Namibians following the death of the country’s founding president, Sam Nujoma (95), on Saturday night.

In a statement released on Sunday, Ramaphosa said his thoughts are with president Nangolo Mbumba after the loss of president Hage Geingob and Nujoma within a period of 12 months.

“As neighbours and compatriots, South Africa is united in grief with Namibians who have lost the leader of the Namibian revolution, who is inseparable from our own history of struggle and liberation,” he said.

Ramaphosa described Nujoma as an extraordinary freedom fighter who dedicated his revolutionary efforts to both Namibia’s struggle against South African colonialism and the liberation of South Africa from apartheid.

In exile and on home soil, Ramaphosa said Nujoma led the Ovamboland People’s Organisation, the South West Africa People’s Organisation, and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia against the seemingly unshakable might of the colonial and apartheid authorities
He noted that Nujoma inspired the Namibian people to pride and resistance during the liberation struggle.

“Namibia’s attainment of independence from South Africa in 1990 ignited in us the inevitability of our own liberation,” he said.

According to Ramaphosa, Nujoma’s leadership of a free Namibia laid the foundation for the solidarity and partnership of the two countries. He said they will continue to deepen their partnership as neighbours and friends.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may our neighbours find healing in his legacy,” Ramaphosa added.