A legacy of selflessness

Namibians have paid glowing tributes to the country's first president Sam Nujoma on the occasion of his 88th birthday today.

Nujoma's private physician Dr Tshali Iithete praised him for being a visionary and selfless leader.

Iithete said he has had the honour of looking after Nujoma's health for the past 12 years.

“The number of years at the helm of the Swapo leadership, of which majority under the very harsh conditions of exile and as a military commander, have shaped him into a remarkable human,” said Iithete.

“Under normal circumstances, you would have expected such person to wither with time and show signs of bitterness, but the founding president remains steadfast and selfless in his yearn for better life for all Namibians. He pays little or no attention to issues of personal comfort – his aim is betterment of all Namibians (if not all Africans). This he does generously even at 87 – in fact those close to him so often have to slow him down and can't catch up with him. His mind and heart still sits at 40.”

Nujoma led the struggle for Namibia's independence for about 30 years and was commander-in-chief of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia.

“It goes without saying that he is a soldier through and through – very disciplined, orderly, and razor-sharp focused. But above all, humble and respectful – traits he always implores the youth to have. So, I think if there is something that Namibian youth should emulate from this youthful 88-year-old icon from the Etunda village, is his traits of humble in dignity, respect and his unwavering love for Namibia.

“A lifetime commitment to service. May God continue to bless him richly with good health and wisdom.”



Unshakable

Namibia's ambassador to Cuba Jeroboam Shaanika said Nujoma is a man of unshakable principles with a total commitment to the course in which he believes.

He said during the struggle for freedom, Nujoma inspired, united and encouraged the nation to fight and bring about freedom and independence.

“During our difficult days, Nujoma was our moon, which illuminated the darkness by night and he was the sun that warmed us up during the day. We believed in him because we saw him first with a gun in his hand. He promised us freedom and encouraged us to fight relentlessly to make it a reality. We had faith in his leadership to guide us through the desert of colonialism until we attained our most cherished dream, freedom and independence of Namibia. He lit the flame of freedom which remains burning and should be passed to the succeeding generations as a proud heritage. Nujoma exemplifies hope, courage, endurance and unwavering determination to succeed against all sorts of difficulties,” said Shaanika, who also worked as a special assistant to Nujoma in the past.

Youth leader Elijah Ngurare said looking back, 27 years ago since independence, the foundation has undoubtedly been laid by Nujoma.

“I remain greatly humbled to have worked with him through our Swapo Party and to have learned so much from him. In particular, we as leaders of SPYL, we shall remain appreciative to the founding president for agreeing to our request that his birthday be used as an embodiment of the legacy of the liberation struggle under the umbrella of 12 May Movement,” said Ngurare.



Keep legacy alive

He said as Namibians celebrate his 88th birthday, the young and old, must once again appreciate his vision and celebrate the legacy that has brought freedom and independence.

“The founding president has led the liberation struggle to its logical conclusion with a majestic sense of purpose. The unfinished work that lies ahead can be achieved if we follow in the footsteps he has laid for us all. The equitable distribution of the economic wealth of Namibia to all shall be achieved if we adopt and emulate his patriotic virtues of hard work, dedication and a deep sense of self-reliance. I wish therefore to use this occasion to call on all young people to remain united in waging the second struggle of economic independence and empowerment in all 121 constituencies,” he said.

Anna Anghuwo, a deputy director in the ministry of agriculture, said when she thinks of Nujoma, her heart goes into a place that has the most utmost respect and she just wants to crown him with glories and praises.

“He is a true gentleman, the way he walks, he is not like others, he walks like he is floating, he is a man that I adore and respect with all my heart, Sam Nujoma is a man of few words and many traits. His actions speak volumes and you can't ignore that. He was born a leader… his sacrifices show his love that he has for his people and this country, what a honour that he is my first president,” said Anghuwo.

Anghuwo, who spent her formative years in exile during the liberation struggle, added that it is her wish that next generations should know and remember him as an unselfish man who sacrificed his life for the liberation of the country.

“It is because of his leadership that we are a free nation today and we are enjoying the peace, and stability. Peace comes with responsibility and all peace-loving Namibians should jealously guard the peace we are enjoying today in our beautiful country,” she said.

Hilma Ekandjo, who spent close to 20 years in exile during the liberation struggle, says Nujoma was the one figure that kept her and many others going strong and encouraged them to fight for the independence of the country. She said he was always an exemplary and charismatic leader who never gave up on the dream to be in a free Namibia one day.

“Happy birthday to our Founding Father and may God bless him with many more healthy years so that he can continue to guide us and lead as he has done for many decades. He did his part indeed and not it's now time for all Namibians to continue and follow in his footsteps to continue and do what we can do that can contribute to Namibian nation. We have many business people, very rich, but fail to build even a small clinic where it is needed,” said Ekandjo.

Nujoma's granddaughter Ujama described her grandfather as an influential figure.

“Obviously he is a source of strength and stability for me, as well as many Namibians. But what I love most about him is his warmth, sense of humour, positivity, and above all, his kind and generous heart. Happy birthday Tatekulu and may God continue to bless you in abundance”.





NAMENE HELMICH