Sam Nujoma and the passing of giants: A former journalist’s perspective
COLUMN
Journalist Tonateni Shidhudhu recalls with admiration the lessons he learned from observing Nujoma up close during an international trip.
The passing of H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president and Father of the Nation, marks the end of an era. At 95, he leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of Namibians, especially the youth, who have been privileged to witness the presence of such a great leader. For those of us who were children at independence, the opportunity to engage with our country’s liberators is a rare privilege we must never take for granted.
As a former reporter, I covered political affairs, including the activities of the head of state. My career brought me closer to former Presidents Hifikepunye Pohamba and the late Dr Hage Geingob, while my interaction with the founding president was limited due to his retirement.
However, a defining moment was accompanying him to Malawi in May 2014, where he led the African Union Observers Mission for the national elections. Despite his advanced age, Dr Nujoma remained as committed as ever. Each morning, he was up early, visiting polling stations across Blantyre, engaging with AU observers and receiving first-hand reports.
Some mornings, we would wake to find him already waiting at the hotel foyer, a testament to his lifelong dedication to service and a lesson I will always cherish.
Appreciating their sacrifices
For many young Namibians, the founding president’s name was once a distant echo, a figure we only knew through songs and stories.
The popular liberation song 'Sam owuli peni, yelula epandela' gave us hope as children, assuring us that somewhere, our leaders were preparing to return and free the nation. When independence arrived in 1990, excitement swept through even the most remote villages. I vividly remember our parents crying tears of joy when Dr Nujoma visited our area in 1993 or 1994 to inaugurate a health centre at Okatope, Onyaanya constituency in Oshikoto Region.
For many, it was their first time seeing the man whose name had been a beacon of hope throughout the struggle.
Through my career in journalism, I have been fortunate to learn from our national leaders, gaining a deeper appreciation for their sacrifices. Just last year, we were shaken by the sudden loss of President Dr Hage Geingob, marking the first time Namibia lost a sitting head of state. Though painful, it was a moment of historical significance, reminding us how fortunate we are to witness these transitions and the lessons they bring.
Uphold his values
Today, Namibia feels emptier without Omukokoli gwetu (our founding), as he was affectionately known in some parts of the country.
He was not just a leader; he was a unifying figure, a symbol of resilience and national pride. Yet, we must count ourselves lucky to have had him among us for so many years. As we mourn his passing, let us honour his memory by upholding the values he stood for, namely unity, dedication and patriotism.
The responsibility now rests on us to build upon the foundation he laid. As young people, we must draw inspiration from his unwavering commitment to Namibia and strive to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. Let us grant him the farewell he deserves and ensure that his legacy continues to guide us into the future.
*Tonateni Shidhudhu is a communications specialist, former journalist and self-taught historian. He writes in his personal capacity.
As a former reporter, I covered political affairs, including the activities of the head of state. My career brought me closer to former Presidents Hifikepunye Pohamba and the late Dr Hage Geingob, while my interaction with the founding president was limited due to his retirement.
However, a defining moment was accompanying him to Malawi in May 2014, where he led the African Union Observers Mission for the national elections. Despite his advanced age, Dr Nujoma remained as committed as ever. Each morning, he was up early, visiting polling stations across Blantyre, engaging with AU observers and receiving first-hand reports.
Some mornings, we would wake to find him already waiting at the hotel foyer, a testament to his lifelong dedication to service and a lesson I will always cherish.
Appreciating their sacrifices
For many young Namibians, the founding president’s name was once a distant echo, a figure we only knew through songs and stories.
The popular liberation song 'Sam owuli peni, yelula epandela' gave us hope as children, assuring us that somewhere, our leaders were preparing to return and free the nation. When independence arrived in 1990, excitement swept through even the most remote villages. I vividly remember our parents crying tears of joy when Dr Nujoma visited our area in 1993 or 1994 to inaugurate a health centre at Okatope, Onyaanya constituency in Oshikoto Region.
For many, it was their first time seeing the man whose name had been a beacon of hope throughout the struggle.
Through my career in journalism, I have been fortunate to learn from our national leaders, gaining a deeper appreciation for their sacrifices. Just last year, we were shaken by the sudden loss of President Dr Hage Geingob, marking the first time Namibia lost a sitting head of state. Though painful, it was a moment of historical significance, reminding us how fortunate we are to witness these transitions and the lessons they bring.
Uphold his values
Today, Namibia feels emptier without Omukokoli gwetu (our founding), as he was affectionately known in some parts of the country.
He was not just a leader; he was a unifying figure, a symbol of resilience and national pride. Yet, we must count ourselves lucky to have had him among us for so many years. As we mourn his passing, let us honour his memory by upholding the values he stood for, namely unity, dedication and patriotism.
The responsibility now rests on us to build upon the foundation he laid. As young people, we must draw inspiration from his unwavering commitment to Namibia and strive to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. Let us grant him the farewell he deserves and ensure that his legacy continues to guide us into the future.
*Tonateni Shidhudhu is a communications specialist, former journalist and self-taught historian. He writes in his personal capacity.
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