Regional Leaders Honor the Legacy of Sam Nujoma at His Funeral
Prominent leaders from SADC gathered in Windhoek to commemorate the life of Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, who was honored with a hero’s funeral. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other dignitaries acknowledged Nujoma’s immense contributions to justice and equality in southern Africa, reflecting on his legacy as a key figure in the independence movement.
Leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened to pay tribute to Namibia’s first president, Sam Nujoma, who passed away and was interred in Windhoek on Saturday. A hero’s funeral was held at Heroes’ Acre to honor the esteemed revolutionary leader as dignitaries gathered to celebrate his legacy.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived on Saturday morning to participate in the funeral service, alongside Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Angolan President João Lourenço. Both leaders had attended a state memorial at Independence Stadium the day before.
During the memorial service, President Mnangagwa, who is also the chairperson of SADC, remarked that Nujoma’s passing represents a profound loss for not only Namibia but the broader region as well. 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 praised Nujoma as an exemplary figure who dedicated his life to advocating for his people’s rights. He characterized Nujoma 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.”
Among the attendees were other SADC leaders, including Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane and Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini. Notable former leaders, such as Ian Khama of Botswana, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, and Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, were also present, alongside former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano. Representations from Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania were made by their vice presidents, and former Finnish President Tarja Halonen attended as well. The farewell was witnessed by a large gathering of mourners.
Former First Lady of Zimbabwe, Grace Mugabe, shared insights on the friendship that existed between her late husband, Robert Mugabe, and Nujoma. She stated, “I knew president Nujoma even before he was president… I would see them having conversations about what he wanted to see happening in Namibia.”
Nujoma was the last of the revolutionary leaders who spearheaded the independence of their nations in southern Africa. He also represented the surviving founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, the predecessor to the African Union.
The funeral of Sam Nujoma saw leaders from various countries come together to honor his significant contributions to the liberation movement in southern Africa. His legacy of selfless service to justice and equality remains a vital part of regional history. As the last surviving revolutionary leader of the era, Nujoma’s influence continues to resonate through the expressions of respect from his peers and the mourning of the public.
Original Source: allafrica.com
