Namibia’s Liberation Hero, Sam Nujoma, Dies at 95Namibia Presidency has announced the death of it’s first President and revered liberation hero, Sam Nujoma, at the age of 95, stating that he passed on Saturday.
In a statement, the President, Nangolo Mbumba explained that Nujoma, who led the country’s struggle for independence from South African rule, had been hospitalized for three weeks before succumbing to illness.
“With the utmost sorrow and sadness, I announce the passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader,” Mbumba said, calling Nujoma’s life “long and consequential” in service to Namibia.
According to the statement, Samuel Daniel Shafiishuna Nujoma was born into a poor farming family from the Ovambo tribe and was the eldest of 10 children. In 1949, he took a job as a railway sweeper in Windhoek while attending night school, where he met Herero chief Hosea Kutako, a key figure in the fight against apartheid rule. Under Kutako’s mentorship, Nujoma became politically active, challenging forced relocations of black workers in the 1950s.
He was forced into exile in 1960, as Nujoma left behind his wife and children to campaign for Namibia’s freedom. That same year, he was elected president of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), tirelessly lobbying for international support. In 1966, SWAPO launched an armed struggle against South African occupation after Pretoria defied a UN directive to relinquish control of Namibia.
After nearly three decades of conflict, Namibia gained independence in 1990, with Nujoma elected as its first president. His three terms in office saw relative economic growth and political stability, though his tenure was not without controversy. His firm stance on HIV/AIDS earned international recognition, but he was criticized for refusing to reintegrate SWAPO members accused of spying for South Africa. He also took a hardline stance against homosexuality, once calling it “madness” and warning of arrests and deportations.
Despite stepping down in 2005, Nujoma remained a dominant political figure for years. His successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba, won the presidency easily, but Nujoma was widely regarded as the power behind the throne until his official retirement in 2007.
President Mbumba in the statement, praised Nujoma’s role in shaping modern Namibia, saying he “inspired us to rise to our feet and become masters of this vast land of our ancestors.” President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will take office next month, also honored Nujoma’s contributions, calling his leadership “visionary” and essential to the country’s liberation.
“Let us honor his legacy by upholding resilience, solidarity, and selfless service,” she said.
Nujoma’s passing marks the end of an era for Namibia, as the country reflects on the life and impact of the man who led it to freedom.
