WINDHOEK - Thousands of Namibians and dignitaries gathered on Saturday to mourn the country's independence leader, Sam Nujoma, as nearly a month of homage culminated with his state funeral. Nujoma, the guerrilla leader who ushered Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa, died on February 9, aged 95. His casket, draped in the blue, white, red, and green Namibian flag, was transported on a gun carriage to its final resting place at the Heroes' Acre, a mountainous memorial for the country's liberation war heroes located outside Windhoek.
The ceremony drew several African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Angola's João Lourenço, and Emmerson Mnangagwa from Zimbabwe, along with numerous foreign dignitaries. The burial was broadcast live on state television, allowing viewers across the nation to participate virtually. Namibia's President Nangolo Mbumba opened the tributes by calling Nujoma "the most distinguished son of the soil." He praised Nujoma as "a giant among leaders" and urged, "May your legacy become a source of strength as we continue to uphold your command of maintaining unity of purpose."
Nujoma's widow did not speak at the ceremony but conveyed her sentiments through remarks read on her behalf during the previous day’s memorial service. She lauded her late husband as "steadfast, resolute, honest, and disciplined," recalling the hardships her family faced during his time in exile. "Yet even in his absence, my husband's love and strength enveloped us," she shared, encapsulating the emotional weight of their shared history. A 21-gun salute marked the lowering of Nujoma's bronze casket, engraved with Namibia's coat of arms and his name, as military aircraft performed a flypast.
Born to poor farmers from the Ovambo ethnic group, Nujoma was the eldest of ten children. His first job was as a railway sweeper in 1949, during which he attended night classes, igniting his political engagement. He became involved with black workers protesting against the apartheid-induced migrant worker system. Nujoma began his political career formally when he headed the South West People's Organization (SWAPO) from exile starting in 1960, which later initiated armed resistance against South African rule. Following independence, he served as Namibia's first president from 1990 until 2005, overseeing efforts for national cohesion and economic stability.
The late leader is recognized as one of the last prominent figures of the African liberation movement alongside icons like South Africa’s Nelson Mandela and Mozambique’s Samora Machel. His body traveled throughout Namibia, visiting seven regions, including his homestead, prior to lying in state on Friday, allowing many to pay their final respects over the preceding weeks. During the mourning period, flags across the country flew at half-mast, and sports events were suspended to honor his memory.
Utoni Nujoma, Sam's eldest son, reflected on his father's life, stating, "He embodied and personified the liberation struggle for Namibia’s freedom and independence." While the family grieves, they also celebrate his legacy. "Despite the fact our hearts are engulfed by grief, we celebrate his unwavering spirit and the contributions he made," he added during the funeral service as thousands joined him at the ceremony.
The funeral service at Heroes' Acre, constructed as the final resting place for Namibia's esteemed citizens, attracted numerous current and former heads of state. Attendees included South Africa's Thabo Mbeki and Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside leaders from countries across the region. They eulogized Nujoma as "an African icon" and commended his steadfast principles and commitment to defending the continent against colonial oppression.
Reflecting on Nujoma's impact, President Mbumba remarked, "Who else could rise from the humble dwellings of Etunda to lead a nation to independence? Who else could traverse from dusty villages to the hallways of the United Nations? Only extraordinary human beings accomplish such feats." The sentiment conveyed by attendees underscored the deep respect held for Nujoma, reinforcing his status as the Father of the Namibian Nation.
Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of Lesotho, conveyed the collective sentiment of mourning reverberated across the continent as he eulogized Nujoma's remarkable leadership during his tenure. Meanwhile, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete pointed out the lasting influence Nujoma's fight for freedom would have on future generations, encapsulating the sentiment shared by attendees at the funeral.
During his presidency, Nujoma was credited for establishing peace and political stability within Namibia, championing democratic principles, and implementing economic policies aimed at improving citizens' lives. Although his government faced criticism for media suppression and human rights issues, Nujoma's leadership significantly shaped the nation's political front.
Nujoma is survived by his wife, three siblings, and numerous descendants, including 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. His legacy as Namibia's founding father endures as citizens reflect on his life’s work and influence, ensuring the national unity he fought so ardently to establish.