Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, was honored at a funeral in Windhoek attended by leaders from the Southern African Development Community. Notable figures, including Cyril Ramaphosa, Emmerson Mnangagwa, and João Lourenço, praised Nujoma’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality. His passing marks the end of an era, as he was the last surviving revolutionary leader from Southern Africa’s independence movement.
Leaders from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) convened to commemorate the life of Namibia’s first president, Sam Nujoma, whose funeral took place in Windhoek on Saturday. Nujoma, a pivotal figure in Namibia’s fight for independence, was buried at Heroes’ Acre with the honors befitting a national hero. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the attendees, along with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Angolan President João Lourenço, who had participated in the state memorial the previous day.
During the memorial service, President Mnangagwa, currently chairperson of Sadc, remarked on the profound loss Nujoma’s passing signifies for both Namibia and the broader region. He stated, “His selfless efforts and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and freedom for his people and all of mankind will remain etched in our collective memory for posterity.”
President Lourenço also contributed to the tributes, calling Nujoma an exemplary leader for his unwavering dedication to his people’s rights. He referred to him as “an outstanding figure in African contemporary history, a hero of the Namibian people, and a symbol of the unbreakable fight for the liberation of southern Africa.”
Additional Sadc leaders present included Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane and Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini. Notable former leaders in attendance included Ian Khama, Thabo Mbeki, and Joseph Kabila, along with representatives from Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania. The burial was attended by numerous mourners, including Finland’s former president, Tarja Halonen.
Former Zimbabwe First Lady Grace Mugabe recounted her longstanding relationship with Nujoma, emphasizing the connections between him and her late husband, Robert Mugabe. She shared her memories of their discussions concerning Namibia’s independence aspirations, stating, “I knew president Nujoma even before he was president. When he was still fighting for the independence of the country, he used to visit my husband a lot.”
Nujoma’s passing concludes an era; he was the last revolutionary leader who achieved independence for his nation and the final surviving founding father of the Organisation of African Unity, which was established in 1963 and later evolved into the African Union.
In conclusion, Sam Nujoma’s funeral attracted notable leaders from across Southern Africa, reflecting his significant impact on the region’s history. His contributions to the pursuit of justice and equality are memorialized in the hearts of many. The funeral served not only as a farewell but also a recognition of his legacy as an emblematic leader of the liberation movement.
Original Source: allafrica.com
