Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, was laid to rest on March 1, 2025, attended by African leaders and dignitaries. He is celebrated for his role in liberating Namibia from apartheid and is referred to as the last African liberator. Nujoma’s legacy will endure through his family and the nation he helped to establish as free and democratic.
Namibian founding president Sam Nujoma, who played a pivotal role in the country’s liberation from apartheid South Africa, was honored in a state funeral at Heroes’ Acre, Windhoek, on March 1, 2025. The ceremony attracted numerous attendees, including African leaders and dignitaries, as mourners gathered to pay homage to a man revered as their “founding father” of independence. Nujoma passed away at the age of 95 on February 8, following a brief hospitalization.
The state funeral was marked by the presence of Nujoma’s family, including his widow, Theopoldine Nujoma, and his descendants. His eldest son, Utoni Nujoma, expressed gratitude for their father’s legacy, stating, “Although we could not have him around us all the time, we … understood … that he embodied the liberation struggle for Namibia’s freedom and independence.” Utoni added that despite the family’s grief, they celebrated Nujoma’s life and commitment.
In preparation for the funeral, Namibia observed a 21-day mourning period, with national flags displayed at half-staff. Nujoma’s body was given a nationwide send-off, traveling to seven regions, including his village of Etunda, allowing countless Namibians to pay their respects. His casket, draped in the Namibian flag, was lowered with full honors, including a 21-gun salute and a flyover by the Namibian Air Force.
Nujoma was considered the last of a generation of African leaders who fought against colonialism, alongside notable figures like Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe. Current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba praised Nujoma, stating, “Who else could rise from the humble dwellings of Etunda to lead a nation to independence?” This sentiment was echoed by various African leaders who gathered to honor him as an African icon dedicated to alleviating colonial struggles.
During his tenure, Nujoma was recognized for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to building a nonracial society in Namibia. He is survived by his family, including three siblings, a wife, two sons, 24 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, leaving behind a profound legacy that resonated deeply within the nation.
Sam Nujoma’s state funeral not only commemorated his pivotal contributions to Namibia’s independence but also highlighted his legacy as a leader in the fight against colonialism in Africa. The significant presence of international leaders and the nationwide mourning underscore his impact as a revered figure in Namibian and African history. His life resonated with purpose, serving as a foundation for future generations.
Original Source: apnews.com
