Sam Nujoma, the revered freedom fighter who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, has passed away at the age of 95. His death marks the end of an era, as he was widely regarded as the father of the nation, a leader whose vision and determination shaped modern Namibia.
Nujoma’s death was announced on Sunday by Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, who confirmed that he passed away on Saturday night after being hospitalized in the capital, Windhoek. His passing has sent shockwaves across the nation, with President Mbumba describing it as a moment of profound national loss.
“The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken,” Mbumba stated. “Over the past three weeks, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and Founding Father of the Namibian Nation was hospitalized for medical treatment and medical observation due to ill health. Unfortunately, this time, the most gallant son of our land could not recover from his illness.”
Nujoma was a towering figure in Namibian politics, credited with steering his country to democracy and stability after decades of colonial rule by Germany and a brutal war of independence against South African control. He dedicated nearly 30 years of his life to the struggle, leading the South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO) from exile before returning to Namibia to oversee its transition to democracy. When Namibia finally gained independence in 1990, Nujoma was elected as its first president, serving three terms until 2005.
With his distinctive white beard and unwavering resolve, Nujoma was the last of a generation of African liberation leaders who fought to free their nations from colonial or white minority rule. He stood alongside historical figures such as Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, and Samora Machel of Mozambique.
Nujoma’s leadership was instrumental in healing the wounds of Namibia’s bitter past. The country had suffered under South Africa’s apartheid-era policies, which divided its people into racially segregated regions with separate education and healthcare systems. After independence, Nujoma emphasized national reconciliation, bringing together former enemies and ensuring that white Namibians remained involved in the country’s economic and political spheres. His approach helped maintain stability in a nation that had endured years of armed struggle.
Even his political opponents recognized his contributions. Although he was branded a Marxist and accused of suppressing dissent while in exile, many acknowledged that his presidency laid the foundations for a democratic Namibia. Under his leadership, the country adopted a progressive constitution that enshrined human rights and established the rule of law.
Despite his pragmatism in governance, Nujoma was also known for his fierce anti-Western rhetoric, which occasionally made international headlines. He once claimed that AIDS was a man-made biological weapon and was openly critical of homosexuality, calling it a “foreign and corrupt ideology” and referring to gay individuals as “idiots.” His strong views on these issues sparked controversy, but they did not diminish his standing as a liberation hero.
Throughout his presidency, Nujoma maintained close ties with countries that had supported Namibia’s independence struggle, including North Korea, Cuba, Russia, and China. These nations provided arms and training to SWAPO fighters during the war against South Africa. However, he also sought diplomatic relations with Western powers. In 1993, Nujoma became the first African leader to be hosted at the White House by then-U.S. President Bill Clinton. Clinton hailed him as “the George Washington of his country” and “a genuine hero of the world’s movement toward democracy.”
Nujoma’s journey from humble beginnings to national leader was one of resilience and determination. Born into a rural, impoverished family as the eldest of 11 children, his early life revolved around tending his parents’ cattle and working on the land. He attended a mission school before moving to Windhoek, where he found employment with South African Railways. It was during this time that he became politically active, advocating for the rights of Namibians under South African rule.
In 1959, he was arrested following a political protest but was later released. Determined to continue the fight for his country’s liberation, he fled Namibia shortly afterward. While in exile, he played a pivotal role in establishing SWAPO, which became the driving force behind Namibia’s independence movement. In 1960, he was elected as the party’s president, a position he held for more than four decades.
When South Africa refused to comply with a 1966 United Nations resolution that revoked its mandate over Namibia—then known as South West Africa—Nujoma launched SWAPO’s armed struggle for liberation. The guerrilla war was fought under difficult conditions, with limited resources and support.
“We started the armed struggle with only two sub-machine guns and two pistols,” Nujoma once recalled. “I got them from Algeria, plus some rounds of ammunition.”
Against all odds, SWAPO’s resistance efforts, combined with international diplomatic pressure, eventually forced South Africa to agree to a United Nations-supervised transition to independence. In 1990, Namibia became a sovereign nation, and Nujoma was sworn in as its first president.
Under his leadership, Namibia experienced relative political stability and economic growth. His government prioritized education, infrastructure development, and healthcare, laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future. After serving three terms, he stepped down in 2005, handing over power to his successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba. However, he remained an influential figure in Namibian politics, continuing to shape the direction of the ruling SWAPO party.
As news of his passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from across the globe. Namibians, both young and old, remember him as the fearless leader who dedicated his life to their freedom. His legacy will be forever etched in the history of Namibia, not just as its first president but as the father of the nation.
Sam Nujoma’s death marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Namibia’s independence and democracy will continue to inspire generations to come. His life was one of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of liberation and unity. As the nation mourns, it also celebrates the enduring legacy of a leader who helped shape the destiny of a free and independent Namibia.
