‘Worlds Apart’: Nujoma’s Legacy Lost on Some of the Youth

The death of Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Nujoma, marks the end of an era that shaped our nation’s destiny.

His life was dedicated to the fight against colonial rule and to secure the independence that many Namibians enjoy today.

However, as the country mourns, an unsettling reality has emerged.

For many of Namibia’s younger generation, president Nujoma’s death is seen as an event rooted in the past rather than a significant loss.

This perspective raises critical questions about historical awareness, generational entitlement and the transmission of national memory.
CONFLICTING VIEWS

For those who lived through the brutal oppression of apartheid and colonial rule, Sam Nujoma is an undisputed hero.

His role in mobilising the armed struggle, passionately advocating for Namibia’s independence on international platforms, and laying the foundation for a sovereign state remains unparalleled.

To them passing is not just the loss of a man or a leader but the departure of a living symbol of resilience, sacrifice and victory.

Conversely, for many young Namibians his legacy is distant and abstract.

Born in a free Namibia, they have never experienced the hardship of colonial oppression, forced labour or political subjugation.

To them, independence is a given, not a hard-fought victory.

Their perception is shaped not by lived experience but by a present-day reality where economic struggles, unemployment, and political dissatisfaction dominate their concerns.

This disconnect leads some to question the significance of Sam Nujoma’s contribution – not out of malice but out of ignorance stemming from a failure of historical education and national storytelling.

A FAILURE OF HISTORY

The gap between generations is not the fault of the youth alone.

The older generation – those who fought, sacrificed and witnessed the birth of an independent Namibia – must ask themselves whether they have done enough to pass down the nation’s history.

Have they helped educate young Namibians about the realities of colonial rule, the cost of freedom and the legacy of figures like Sam Nujoma?

Has the education system helped nurture and instil a sense of national pride and historical consciousness?

If young people fail to appreciate the weight of Nujoma’s legacy, it can partly be attributed to them not having had the tools to understand it.

The entitlement of today’s generation is not just a product of youthful indifference but also of a society that has allowed its history to fade into the background. Schools, families and national institutions must take responsibility for ensuring that Namibia’s struggle for independence remains a vital part of the national consciousness.

BEYOND MOURNING

Sam Nujoma’s passing should serve as a time to reflect, not just for the older generation but for all Namibians.

It is a time to bridge the generational divide by fostering conversations about history, national identity and the responsibilities that come with freedom.

The younger generation must recognise that their ability to question, criticise and demand more from Namibia’s leadership is a privilege made possible by those who fought for their rights.

At the same time, the older generation must actively engage in educating and mentoring the youth, ensuring that they inherit not just a free Namibia but also a sense of purpose and historical responsibility.

As Namibia moves forward, it is crucial that the legacy of its founding leaders is not forgotten nor taken for granted.

Understanding where we come from is essential in shaping where we are going.

Sam Nujoma’s contributions are not ‘relics of the past’; they are the foundation upon which Namibia’s future is built.

It is up to both young and old to ensure that his legacy is honoured not just in words, but in action.

• Shepherd M Nyambe is Namibia’s youngest published researcher, an award-winning SDGs action advocate and a political science scholar. This article is written solely in his personal capacity; Shepherdmn01@gmail.com