Namibia’s first president and independence hero, Sam Nujoma, has passed away at the age of 95, the presidency announced on Sunday.
Nujoma, who led Namibia’s fight for independence from South Africa, had been hospitalized for the past three weeks battling an illness from which he could not recover, according to President Nangolo Mbumba.
“With the utmost sorrow and sadness, I announce the passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader,” Mbumba said in a statement.
A Life Dedicated to Liberation
Born into a family of poor farmers, Nujoma rose from humble beginnings to become the face of Namibia’s independence struggle. He became politically active in the 1950s, advocating for workers’ rights and resisting apartheid-era oppression.
In 1960, he went into exile, leaving behind his wife and four children, and became the first president of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO). He spent years rallying international support for Namibia’s independence while SWAPO launched an armed struggle against South African rule in 1966.
Namibia finally gained independence in 1990, and Nujoma became its first democratically elected president, leading the nation through a period of economic stability and growth. He served three terms before stepping down in 2005.
Legacy and Tributes
Though widely celebrated as a visionary leader, his legacy also carries controversies, including his hardline stance against homosexuality and the imprisonment of SWAPO members accused of spying for apartheid South Africa.
Despite this, Namibians and world leaders have hailed him as a pioneer of African liberation.
“He inspired us to rise to our feet and become masters of this vast land of our ancestors,” President Mbumba said.
President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, set to take office next month, praised Nujoma’s dedication to nation-building, urging citizens to honor his legacy through resilience, solidarity, and selfless service.