Mbeki on Nujoma, border issues and Walvis Bay

Former South African president Thabo Mbeki has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Namibian liberation icon and former president Sam Nujoma, highlighting his instrumental role in Namibia’s independence and his unwavering commitment to the African liberation struggle.In an exclusive interview with SABC yesterday, Mbeki described Nujoma as a selfless leader dedicated to the liberation of the masses.“[In] 1977, 1978, I was the ANC representative in Nigeria, and when we arrived, we found a Swapo representative already there. We decided to merge our offices into one. We functioned as a single entity, publishing journals under one editor. While we spoke publicly as two different organisations, our work was unified. Even when President Nujoma visited Nigeria, we reported that we were operating as a single office.”When asked when he first met Nujoma in person, Mbeki responded: “It would have been in 1971 when I returned to the ANC headquarters in Lusaka after spending a few years in Europe. That’s when I first met him physically, I believe. But President Nujoma was one of our leaders – not just a leader of another organisation, but one of our own – because of the close relationship between Swapo and the ANC.”Mbeki, who served as South African president from 1999 to 2008, described Nujoma as a towering figure in the anti-colonial movement, dedicated to Namibia’s freedom from apartheid rule. “He was a committed revolutionary, a freedom fighter who devoted his entire life to ensuring that the people of Namibia could govern themselves,” Mbeki said.Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, led Swapo for 47 years, guiding the country through its struggle for independence from apartheid South Africa. Mbeki emphasised that Nujoma’s leadership was crucial in mobilising international support for Namibia’s independence and keeping the struggle at the forefront of the global anti-apartheid movement.Interconnected struggle Mbeki also acknowledged Nujoma’s role in fostering regional solidarity, particularly in strengthening ties between Namibia and South Africa. He noted that Swapo and the ANC shared common objectives in dismantling oppressive regimes, which led to a strong alliance between the two movements.“His commitment to African unity was unwavering. He understood that our struggles were interconnected and he worked closely with liberation movements across the continent to achieve our collective goal of self-determination,” Mbeki said.As Namibia’s first president, Nujoma laid the foundation for a stable and democratic nation, emphasising reconciliation and economic development. Mbeki commended his efforts in nation-building, adding that Nujoma remained devoted to uplifting the people of Namibia even after stepping down from office.Orange River as a borderMbeki also reflected on the historical border dispute between Namibia and South Africa regarding the Orange River.“Even in a matter that continues to be discussed today – historically, nationally and internationally – where a river serves as a boundary between two countries, the standard practice is to place the boundary in the middle of the waterway. The argument, therefore, is that the boundary between South Africa and Namibia should be in the middle of the Orange River.”However, Mbeki explained that South Africa had taken a different position. “We believed that the colonial boundary, which the African Union mandates us to respect, placed South Africa’s boundary on the northern bank of the Orange River. This meant the entirety of the river belonged to South Africa. However, in practical terms, Namibia has full access to the river and we have never imposed restrictions.”“This was an issue that carried historical weight and President Nujoma was unwavering in his belief that Namibia’s territorial integrity should be respected. He approached the matter with diplomatic resolve, always seeking a peaceful and just solution,” Mbeki remarked.Walvis Bay and Namibian sovereigntyMbeki also highlighted Nujoma’s determination to reclaim Walvis Bay, Namibia’s only deep-water port, which remained under South African control even after Namibia’s independence in 1990. He recalled Nujoma’s persistent diplomatic and political efforts to ensure that Walvis Bay was fully reintegrated into Namibia.“The return of Walvis Bay to Namibia in 1994 was a testament to his steadfast leadership. He understood its strategic importance and never wavered in demanding that it be returned to the Namibian people,” Mbeki said.Mentor, friend Reflecting on their personal bond, Mbeki spoke of Nujoma as a mentor and a friend, whose wisdom and experience were invaluable in shaping Africa’s political landscape. “He was always willing to offer guidance and support, not just to his compatriots in Namibia, but to all of us committed to the African cause."He concluded: “Sam Nujoma’s name will forever be remembered among the great sons of Africa. He was a true revolutionary, a selfless leader and a father of the Namibian nation."

Mbeki on Nujoma, border issues and Walvis Bay

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Mbeki on Nujoma, border issues and Walvis Bay

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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