The siblings of late founding president Sam Nujoma are grateful to president Nangolo Mbumba and the government for honouring him with a state funeral.
Speaking on behalf of the siblings, Julia Nujoma told The Namibian in an interview at Etunda village in the Omusati region they appreciate president Mbumba for recognising Nujoma as a hero of the Namibian nation.
She said they as the family cannot object the government’s decision to bury Nujoma at Heroes’ Acre as he was a celebrated national hero.
“We are grateful and thankful to president Mbumba and his entire government for honouring our late brother. Nujoma was not just a hero to us as his family but a national hero to all Namibian people.
“He deserves to be buried among the other heroes of the liberation struggle.
We feel he was respected and honoured to be accorded a state funeral.
May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Asked if the family wants Nujoma’s remains to be interred at his home village, Etunda, Julia said the government’s decision is final, thus everyone should respect what was decided for Nujoma by Mbumba and the government.
Nujoma leaves behind two siblings and three children.
Julia described the late Nujoma as a hardworking man who respected his elders and loved spending time with children.
“Nujoma was a respectful and peace-loving person since his childhood days.
He respected all his elders and he was hard-working. He always apologised for any wrong doing.
Our mother always knew that Nujoma was going to be a soldier because he never wavered and he always remained steadfast in his fight against the liberation struggle.
“Our late mother was a devoted church goer and she would always tell Nujoma when he was in exile to always pray to God to defeat the enemy.
We have lost our giant stone, a unifier and our commander,” she said.
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