Trees planted in honour of founding president Nujoma

Khomas governor Sam Nujoma (jr) has described the first birthday celebration of the late founding president, Sam ‘Shafiishuna’ Nujoma, without his physical presence as a “joyous yet painful moment”.

He was speaking at Heroes’ Acre on Monday at an event celebrating what would have been Nujoma’s 96th birthday.

The founding president was honoured with a national tree-planting day, themed ‘The Baobab Tree has Fallen, but its Roots Remain’.

The governor delivered a tribute on behalf of founding first lady Kovambo Nujoma.

“For the first time we are celebrating the birthday of my late husband without his physical presence,” he said.

“Allow me to reflect on the difficult journey he traversed and his contribution to the attainment of our political freedom and genuine independence.”

The event was attended by government officials and dignitaries, including president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, first gentleman Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, vice president Lucia Witbooi, prime minister Elijah Ngurare, and former leaders such as Nahas Angula and Monica Geingos.

Nujoma emphasised that the late founding president’s life was one of sacrifice, unity, and determination.

“His life story is a tapestry woven with threads of perseverance, love, and strategic leadership.

“He was the only commander-in-chief of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia, and the first president of the republic – a revolutionary, a pan-Africanist, and a statesman par excellence,” he said.

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