The memorial service for Namibia’s founding president, Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, evoked nostalgia for virtuous leadership as Africa bids farewell to its liberation-era icons. Held at the University of South Africa in Pretoria, the atmosphere was solemn, with mourners gathered in quiet reflection.
The ceremony was punctuated by moments of prayer, music and tributes as the choir sang liberation and religious songs that once echoed through the struggle years. Clergy members led prayers, invoking guidance for Namibia’s future, while speakers paid homage to a man whose leadership shaped the nation.
Former South African president Thabo Mbeki reflected on the deep ties between the ANC and Nujoma’s South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo) during the fight for independence.
“We must ask ourselves: where are today’s liberators — the Pan-Africanists, the leaders who will lift our continent from poverty, silence the guns in Sudan, the DRC and Somalia and ensure the people govern, who will strengthen the African Union and achieve the African Renaissance?” Mbeki posed in his keynote address.
He expressed an obligation to honour Nujoma as a leader who “did the right things for the future of our continent”.
Turning to ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane, he asked pointedly: “Are we doing the right things?”
Nujoma, who was hospitalised weeks before his passing, died at 95 after leading Namibia for 15 years.
Mbeki paid tribute to his role beyond the borders of his country, praising “his outstanding contributions to lead the world into final defeat and eradication of the global system of colonialism”.
“He was a leader of the people of this region, of Africa and the African diaspora. This is an important moment.”
The leaders of Southern African nations showed astounding leadership, added Mbeki.
He embodied the spirit of ubuntu. But as we mourn such icons, I ask: does Africa still have such leaders? If we did, would the continent be as unstable as it is today?
— Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, Pan-African Parliament president
“This region proved to be the most stubborn in the world against colonialism. He was part of the leadership that defeated colonialism’s stubborn grip. We celebrate him in that context.”
Nujoma’s legacy is etched in Namibia’s national identity. A fierce advocate for self-determination, he led Swapo through years of armed resistance and diplomatic negotiations until Namibia gained independence in 1990. His leadership was instrumental in shaping a post-apartheid Namibia, establishing democratic institutions and promoting education and economic self-reliance.
After stepping down in 2005, he remained a guiding figure in Namibian politics, embodying the ideals of unity and resilience.
Pan-African Parliament (PAP) president Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira echoed Mbeki’s sentiments, stressing that Nujoma’s legacy extended beyond Namibia.
“He embodied the spirit of ubuntu. But as we mourn such icons, I ask: does Africa still have such leaders? If we did, would the continent be as unstable as it is today?” he asked.
Charumbira condemned global silence on Israel’s occupation of Palestine, questioning Africa’s reluctance to stand firm. “South Africa took a stand at the ICJ — how many stood with it? Are we afraid of America? During apartheid, South Africa faced sanctions, yet how many openly condemn the sanctions imposed on it today?”
Hailed as the "father of the Namibian nation", Nujoma will be buried on Saturday in Windhoek.
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