Funeral held for Namibia’s founding president
Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, who led the country to independence from apartheid South Africa, was laid to rest at Heroes Acre cemetery, according to Africa News on March 2nd.
His widow, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren joined African leaders past and present in paying their final respects.
Nujoma was hailed as an African icon and a steadfast defender of the continent against colonial oppression.
“On these hallowed grounds, the final resting place of Namibia’s heroes and heroines, we lay to rest a most distinguished son of the soil, a giant among leaders and a revolutionary icon,” said President Nangolo Mbumba.
Thousands of mourners gathered from early morning in Windhoek, reflecting on Nujoma’s legacy.
He was regarded as the “founding father” of Namibia, having risen from humble beginnings as a cattle herder to lead the country’s independence struggle.
He is seen as one of the last leaders of Africa’s anti-colonial movements, Nujoma was praised for his role in fighting against apartheid and racial discrimination.
“He epitomised the struggle for African liberation, standing up in the 1950s to fight apartheid,” said Pendukeni Ithana, vice-chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation.
Serving three terms as president from 1990 to 2005, as Namibia’s founding president, Nujoma was widely credited with ensuring peace and stability in Namibia.
The country observed a 21-day mourning period in his honour, with flags flown at half-staff.
His body was given a nationwide farewell, traveling through seven regions, including his village homestead of Etunda in Okahao.
As his flag-draped casket was lowered into the ground, a 21-gun salute echoed through the cemetery, accompanied by a flypast from the Namibian Air Force.
Nujoma’s burial marked the end of an era, commemorating a leader whose influence extended beyond Namibia’s borders.
His unwavering commitment to freedom and justice left an indelible mark on Africa’s history.
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