Maria David
A MOMENT of silence was observed for the late Founding President Sam Nujoma during the SWAPO Party extraordinary meeting of the Central Committee held on Saturday in Windhoek.
He passed away at the age of 95.
Party Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said they came together during this defining moment for their party and their nation.
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, it is now a time for deep reflection, a sense of responsibility, and unity above all else.
“We have lost our beloved Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and Father of the Namibian Nation, Founding President of the SWAPO Party, and Leader of the Namibian Revolution,” she said.
She added that they are devastated by this immense loss.
With the passing of the Founding President, Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated that they have lost a national icon, a strong pillar who led them through the difficult times of the Liberation Struggle and ushered them into nationhood.
She stressed that today, Namibia stands tall among other nations of the world as a beacon of democracy, peace, and stability, and the SWAPO Party is recognized globally as a strong revolutionary party.
“Without President Nujoma’s advice, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to unity, solidarity, and justice, Namibia would not be where it is today,” she added.
She noted that Nujoma led the SWAPO Party through the most difficult times in its history, essentially building it from the ground up and ensuring it became not just a political organization but a formidable liberation movement strong enough to withstand the military weight of a cruel apartheid oppression system and deliver freedom to the Namibian people.
Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated that Nujoma transformed SWAPO from a liberation movement into the renowned mass-based political and truly democratic party it is today.
Moreover, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Nujoma was a mentor to many of them and leaves behind a legacy of bravery, visionary leadership, unity, and love for his country and its people.
As they mourn his passing, she emphasized that they must embrace a common purpose to steer their country towards genuine economic independence and inclusive socio-economic development, ensuring shared and balanced prosperity.
