Sam Nujoma, the revolutionary leader who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as the country’s first president for 15 years, has passed away at the age of 95. Known as Namibia’s “founding father,” Nujoma died on Saturday night after being hospitalized for three weeks in Windhoek, the capital.
The Namibian presidency announced his death on social media, stating that the country would enter a period of “national mourning.”
Nujoma was widely admired in Namibia for his leadership in guiding the nation to democracy and stability following long periods of colonial rule by Germany and a prolonged war for independence from South Africa.
He was the last of a group of African leaders who helped their countries break free from colonial or white-minority rule, alongside figures like Nelson Mandela, Robert Mugabe, Kenneth Kaunda, and Samora Machel.
As leader of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), Nujoma led the liberation struggle from its inception in 1960.
He remained a key figure in the country after independence, stepping down from the presidency in 2005 and retiring from SWAPO in 2007.
Many Namibians credited Nujoma for fostering national reconciliation after the independence war and South Africa’s divisive policies, while even his political opponents acknowledged his achievements in establishing a democratic constitution and involving white politicians in the post-independence government.
Though his leadership helped establish democratic institutions and advance reconciliation, his autocratic tendencies have also been a point of critique.
Despite this, he is remembered for his role in laying the foundations of Namibia’s independence and governance, although his presidency was not without its flaws.
Born in 1929 to poor Ovambo farmers, Nujoma’s political awareness began in his teenage years.
He moved to Walvis Bay at 17, where he became involved in the struggle against apartheid.
A railway sweeper by trade, Nujoma’s political journey began under the mentorship of Herero chief Hosea Kutako, who pushed for an end to apartheid.
Nujoma lived in exile from 1960 and eventually became SWAPO’s president, leading the armed struggle for independence and advocating internationally for support.
In 1990, after a decade of negotiations, SWAPO won a majority in the first democratic elections, and Nujoma became president.
Upon retiring, he pursued a master’s degree in geology, believing in the untapped mineral resources within Namibia’s mountains.
Nujoma’s presidency is remembered for his relentless leadership and dedication to building a proud and strong nation.
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