Nujoma dispersed the still waters of peace

Bantu Steve Biko once said, “A Black man should be more independent and depend on himself for his freedom and not take it for granted that someone would lead him.” These words encapsulate the path that Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma traveled—one marked by the struggle for freedom and the peace that Namibia enjoys today. It is often said that it would be unjust to unpack the long journey and the profound impact that the Founding Father has had on the nation. Regardless of age, everyone has the right to contribute to and speak about the independent republic we all share. For those who were not present during the liberation struggle, Nujoma's history is chronicled in social studies books. For those who have not met him, his spirit of fighting for freedom still permeates the heart and soul of the nation. Those who walked alongside him cannot finish eulogizing or reflecting on his long walk to freedom and the sacrifices he made to bring about the independence that Namibians enjoy today.You do not need to study economics to understand this: for any development and investment to flourish in a state, political stability is a prerequisite. Sam Nujoma, with foresight, understood the journey that lay ahead following UN Resolution 435, which paved the way for the 1989 elections under the supervision of UNTAG. It is no surprise that he suppressed anger with joy, embraced love over hate, and eloquently championed the call for national reconciliation. It did not matter whether one was Black, White, Coloured, or Afrikaner—Nujoma made a compelling case for unity. One of the fundamental policy documents, our Constitution, states in its preamble: “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is indispensable for freedom, justice, and peace.”Nujoma's decision to pursue national reconciliation was not a counter-revolutionary move but a demonstration of his profound love for his motherland. The Founding Father transcended party politics and the dilemmas of division, navigating the complexities of leadership by upholding cultural norms, embracing merit, professionalism, technocracy, and experience. These qualities served as the pillars that liberated the Namibian nation from the chains of colonial segregation and apartheid rule. Present and future leaders will forever inherit a peaceful nation where freedom is cherished without end.To limit Nujoma's contribution to peace and stability within Namibia's borders would be to tell only half the story. His towering achievements earned him recognition beyond Namibia, reflected in numerous prestigious awards, including the Lenin Peace Prize, the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, the Ho Chi Minh Peace Prize, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo (Gold), among others. His dedication to nation-building and his relentless efforts to address the social and economic challenges facing Namibian society are testaments to his legacy.In conclusion, let me end this piece by emphasizing that there is no better time than now to honor our past for the sake of future generations. We must teach our Black children about Black history, educate them about our heroes and heroines, and preserve our culture so that it does not fade away.Tio Nakasole holds an Honors degree in Economics and is an MBA candidate and Research Analyst at MONASA Advisory and Associates. The views expressed are his own and do not represent those of his employer.Email: theoerastus@gmail.com

Nujoma dispersed the still waters of peace

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-03

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Nujoma dispersed the still waters of peace

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-03

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