Namibia’s founding father Sam Nujoma dies at 95

Sam Nujoma, revered as Namibia’s “founding father” and a key architect of the nation’s democracy, has passed away at the age of 95. His pivotal role in Namibia’s struggle for independence cemented his legacy as a revolutionary leader and a statesman of immense influence.

Nujoma had been receiving medical care at a hospital in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, for the past three weeks. Despite extensive treatment, he ultimately succumbed to his illness.

“With the utmost sorrow and sadness, I announce the passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader,” President Nangolo Mbumba said in a statement.

“Our Founding Father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country,” he added.

Born to poor farmers from the Ovambo tribe, Nujoma was the eldest of 10 children. His early years were marked by hardship, but he was determined to pursue education while working as a railway sweeper near Windhoek. It was during this time that he met Herero tribal chief Hosea Kutako, who mentored him and encouraged his political activism against apartheid rule.

In 1960, at Kutako’s urging, Nujoma went into exile, leaving behind his wife and four children. That same year, he was elected president of the South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO), tirelessly traveling across the world to rally support for Namibia’s independence cause.

Under his leadership, SWAPO launched an armed struggle in 1966 after South Africa defied a United Nations order to relinquish control of Namibia. It took decades of resistance before the country finally gained independence in 1990, making Namibia one of the last African nations to break free from colonial rule.

Nujoma became Namibia’s first democratically elected president and served three terms, overseeing relative economic stability and political growth. His policies on AIDS prevention earned him international praise, but his tenure was not without controversy. He faced criticism for refusing to reintegrate SWAPO members imprisoned as alleged spies during the liberation struggle, and he was known for his staunch opposition to homosexuality, which he once described as a “madness.”

Despite stepping down in 2005, Nujoma remained an influential figure in Namibian politics for several more years.

“He inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors,” President Mbumba said in tribute.

President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will take office next month, praised Nujoma’s “visionary leadership and dedication to liberation and nation-building,” crediting him with laying “the foundation for our free, united nation.”

“Let us honour his legacy by upholding resilience, solidarity, and selfless service,” she urged.

Nujoma is survived by his wife and children. His passing marks the end of an era for Namibia, but his contributions to the nation’s independence and development will be remembered for generations.