By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding father, was laid to rest at the country’s Heroes Acre cemetery on Saturday, as various African leaders gathered in Namibia to pay their respects.
Nujoma died on 8 February 2025 at age of 95 after spending some time at Windhoek hospital.
Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba described Nujoma as a leader who stood for freedom and justice throughout his life.
“Today, we are laying to rest one of Namibia’s illustrious sons, a man who fought for justice and the liberation of his country. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of many Namibians. It is a great loss to our nation,” Mbumba said.
Sam Nujoma served as the country’s first president from 1990 and retired as head of the state in 2005 but he continued to lead the party before stepping down in 2007 as president of the ruling SWAPO party after 47 years in charge.
Nujoma led the long fight for independence from South Africa culminating in freedom in 1990. He helped found Namibia’s liberation movement known as the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) in the 1960s.
Prominent former and current leaders who attended the funeral include Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Former Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, ex-Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, and former Botswana President Lieutenant General Ian Khama.