An encounter with history: My meeting with Dr Sam Nujoma
Growing up in Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma was more than just a historical figure; he was a legend. The first president of Namibia, a revolutionary leader and a key figure in the fight against apartheid, he embodied the ideals of freedom and independence.
We studied his contributions in school, read about his leadership in textbooks, and saw his image on national platforms. But how often does one get to meet their hero?
For me, that rare privilege came in 2017 when I was still a junior journalist at Namibian Sun. I had the opportunity to meet Dr Nujoma alongside my senior colleague, Jemima Beukes, who was interviewing him for the annual independence supplement. Though I was technically just behind the camera, that encounter became one of the defining moments of my career.
It was not the first time I had seen him in person. My earliest memory of him dates back to my primary school years when he visited our school for an Independence Day celebration. The details are blurry, but I remember the excitement that filled the air. Years later, meeting him in a professional setting, I was struck by his warmth. Despite his towering presence in Namibian history, he was approachable and engaging.
A great meeting
One moment from our conversation has stayed with me ever since. He asked me how I intended to use my profession to serve Namibia.
At the time, my response was textbook: I spoke about the role of journalism as the fourth estate, ensuring transparency and holding power to account. I also shared my ambition to become a leading voice in Namibian entertainment journalism – an aspiration that, in hindsight, I am proud to have fulfilled.
What stood out to me was his genuine interest in my dreams. Here was a man who had led a nation to independence, yet he cared to take the take the time to ask a young journalist about his vision for the future.
I am not easily star-struck, but with Dr Nujoma, I made an exception. I asked for a photo, a rare request on my part. I remember posting it with a caption that read: “Hold your Tuesday selfies. That’s me and the Founding Father. We breathed the same air. Y’all just don’t get it.”
Today, as I reflect on that encounter, I am grateful for his sacrifices, for the freedom we enjoy and for the legacy he left behind. May his soul rest in peace.
We studied his contributions in school, read about his leadership in textbooks, and saw his image on national platforms. But how often does one get to meet their hero?
For me, that rare privilege came in 2017 when I was still a junior journalist at Namibian Sun. I had the opportunity to meet Dr Nujoma alongside my senior colleague, Jemima Beukes, who was interviewing him for the annual independence supplement. Though I was technically just behind the camera, that encounter became one of the defining moments of my career.
It was not the first time I had seen him in person. My earliest memory of him dates back to my primary school years when he visited our school for an Independence Day celebration. The details are blurry, but I remember the excitement that filled the air. Years later, meeting him in a professional setting, I was struck by his warmth. Despite his towering presence in Namibian history, he was approachable and engaging.
A great meeting
One moment from our conversation has stayed with me ever since. He asked me how I intended to use my profession to serve Namibia.
At the time, my response was textbook: I spoke about the role of journalism as the fourth estate, ensuring transparency and holding power to account. I also shared my ambition to become a leading voice in Namibian entertainment journalism – an aspiration that, in hindsight, I am proud to have fulfilled.
What stood out to me was his genuine interest in my dreams. Here was a man who had led a nation to independence, yet he cared to take the take the time to ask a young journalist about his vision for the future.
I am not easily star-struck, but with Dr Nujoma, I made an exception. I asked for a photo, a rare request on my part. I remember posting it with a caption that read: “Hold your Tuesday selfies. That’s me and the Founding Father. We breathed the same air. Y’all just don’t get it.”
Today, as I reflect on that encounter, I am grateful for his sacrifices, for the freedom we enjoy and for the legacy he left behind. May his soul rest in peace.
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