Southern African leaders gathered in Windhoek to farewell Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, during a hero’s funeral at Heroes’ Acre. Dignitaries from various nations expressed their condolences, acknowledging his significant contributions to independence and regional unity. Nujoma, who led Namibia to freedom, is remembered for his commitment to justice and equality for all.
Leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened to honor Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, who was interred in Windhoek on Saturday. Nujoma’s funeral, conducted with full honors at Heroes’ Acre, recognized his pivotal role in Namibia’s quest for independence and his broader impact in the region.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Angolan President João Lourenço, participated in the service. Both leaders had also attended a memorial at Independence Stadium the previous day. President Mnangagwa remarked during the memorial that Nujoma’s passing is a profound loss, not only for Namibia but for the entire Southern African community.
“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” – Emmerson Mnangagwa. President Lourenço further recognized Nujoma as an exemplary leader fighting for his people’s rights and a prominent figure in contemporary African history.
Other dignitaries included Lesotho’s Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, former leaders Ian Khama, Thabo Mbeki, and Joseph Kabila, alongside former Mozambique president Joaquim Chissano. Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania were represented by their vice presidents, while former Finnish president Tarja Halonen also attended the memorial, which drew many mourners.
Former First Lady of Zimbabwe Grace Mugabe reflected on the friendship between her husband, Robert Mugabe, and Nujoma, recalling their discussions during Nujoma’s struggle for independence. Nujoma stood as the last revolutionary leader to lead his country to freedom in Southern Africa, being the final founding father of the Organisation of African Unity, the precursor to the African Union.
The funeral of Sam Nujoma was a significant event that underscored his enduring legacy as Namibia’s founding president and a key player in the liberation of Southern Africa. His loss is felt deeply across the region, as noted by numerous leaders who attended the ceremonies to honor his contributions toward justice, equality, and independence. Nujoma’s commitment to these ideals will remain a part of his lasting memory.
Original Source: allafrica.com
