NAMIBIA will bid farewell to its founding president, Sam Nujoma, with a state funeral on March 1, the government confirmed on Friday. Nujoma, who passed away last week at the age of 95, was a key figure in Namibia’s fight for independence from South Africa.
According to an official statement from President Nangolo Mbumba, the late leader will be buried at National Heroes Acre in Windhoek, the capital.
A legacy of leadership
Nujoma, a former guerrilla leader, became Namibia’s first president in 1990 after the country gained independence. He remained in power for 15 years, completing three terms before stepping down in 2005.
During his presidency, Namibia experienced relative economic stability and political peace, laying the foundation for the country’s development. His approach to combating HIV/AIDS was widely praised internationally, as he championed efforts to reduce the impact of the epidemic in Namibia.
However, his leadership was not without controversy. Nujoma faced criticism for his refusal to reintegrate former members of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) who had been imprisoned in Angola on suspicion of being apartheid-era spies.
A farewell to a revolutionary leader
Nujoma’s funeral will be a moment of national reflection, as Namibia honours the man who led it to sovereignty. His contributions to independence, governance, and economic growth will be remembered alongside the debates over his political decisions.
As the country prepares for his final farewell, Namibians will gather to celebrate the life and legacy of a leader who shaped the nation’s history.
