Combative lawyer praises Nujoma’s official language choice

Veteran lawyer Andreas Vaatz, who sometimes dragged government to court to challenge its transformation decisions, has hailed late founding president Sam Nujoma as a great leader for his decision to make English Namibia’s official language.He said this choice demonstrated Nujoma’s wisdom and inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens were considered.Speaking to Namibian Sun in an interview yesterday, Vaatz recalled meeting Nujoma in Zimbabwe before Namibia attained independence.“I only met him in Zimbabwe when we were there for a visit. We had dinner together, but I can’t remember what we talked about – it was a long time ago,” he said.Vaatz described Nujoma as a visionary leader for prioritising English, arguing that it allowed Namibians to communicate globally.“I regard him as a great leader for making that decision. Having one official language in Namibia, unlike South Africa with four or five languages creating chaos in courts and administration, was a very good choice,” Vaatz said.“At the time, I thought it was not such a good idea because more people in Namibia spoke Afrikaans than English. But he didn’t just consider Afrikaans – he looked at the bigger picture. English is a global language, and now, Namibians who go to school here can communicate anywhere in the world.”He emphasised that Nujoma’s decision benefitted the country.“In the United States, Europe, or anywhere, English allows Namibians to get along. That was a truly wise decision, and in my view, one of the greatest he ever made.”A legacy of peaceVaatz also commended Nujoma for presiding over a peaceful Namibia, particularly during elections, in contrast to the political violence often witnessed in other African countries.“We have not had a single person die for political reasons after independence, as far as I know,” he said. “Compare that to South Africa, where during elections, at least 40 to 50 people lose their lives. That has not happened in Namibia.”Moreover, he credited Nujoma’s leadership for ensuring national unity.“He guided the people to be a peaceful community. Despite our differences, we all live in harmony,” Vaatz said.- kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

Combative lawyer praises Nujoma’s official language choice

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Combative lawyer praises Nujoma’s official language choice

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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