Vision 2030 'dies with Nujoma'

Nepando Amupanda, who served as the late founding president Sam Nujoma’s bodyguard for 23 years, believes Namibia’s current socio-economic state is a far cry from what Nujoma envisioned when he introduced the country&#039;s development blueprint, Vision 2030, in 2004 – one year before he stepped down as president.In an interview with Namibian Sun on Tuesday, Amupanda expressed his belief that Nujoma, who passed away on Saturday, had envisioned a prosperous Namibia where citizens would enjoy decent living standards and benefit from the nation’s abundant resources.Statistics released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) two weeks ago show that unemployment in Namibia stands at 37%. Independent analysts, criticising the methodology used by the NSA, estimate the figure to be as high as 55%. When Nujoma left office, unemployment stood at 22%.“Nujoma envisioned a Namibia where education would be free from kindergarten through tertiary level,” Amupanda said. “He had a Vision 2030 that aimed to industrialise the country by that time. But now, with just five years left before 2030, we’re far from realising that vision. Despite having an abundance of natural resources, Namibia doesn’t even produce basic items like needles, matches or toothpicks. We failed Nujoma’s class, and we need to repeat it at Namcol.”Amupanda also highlighted Nujoma’s efforts to ensure Namibia held a 50% stake in its diamond industry and pointed out that Nujoma was the first president to pursue university studies after leaving office.Amupanda said despite the country’s wealth of gold, Namibia doesn’t even produce simple items like earrings or necklaces. “That’s why I say we didn’t fulfil his dream,” Amupanda said.Attempted assassinationsDuring the interview, Amupanda revealed that there were numerous attempts on the former president&#039;s life by “dark forces” throughout the presidency. However, he praised Nujoma’s proactiveness and the vigilance of his team, which ensured the president was always kept out of harm’s way.Reflecting on the passing of Nujoma, who died at a Windhoek hospital on 8 February, Amupanda shared memories from their time together dating back to 1982, when he was deployed as Nujoma’s aide-de-camp.“I prayed for courage and determination, asking for the strength to protect the life of our Swapo president and the commander of the liberation army,” Amupanda recalled. “I was ready to sacrifice my life just like the soldiers at the front.”He described Nujoma as a gallant fighter and a commander whose instructions were always followed by his soldiers.Independence Day memoryAmupanda also fondly recalled Nujoma’s joy on 21 March 1990, when the Namibian flag was raised and the apartheid flag was lowered, marking the country’s independence.“Nujoma was thrilled to see a free and independent Namibia. The moment the Namibian flag ascended and the apartheid flag descended was a moment of immense pride for him, and for all of us,” Amupanda said. “He often said the liberation struggle was divided into two phases: the first was to liberate the people and the nation, and the second was economic emancipation. He was committed to working day and night for the people.”Disillusionment and departureStarting in 2005, Amupanda says he began being barred from meeting with Nujoma.He said those close to the former president stopped him from having access, even when Nujoma was ill and requested to see him.“There were comrades who didn’t want me near him. They said if I remained close to him, they would leave. Eventually, I was reassigned to the ministry of defence,” Amupanda said.Amupanda underlined that the best way for Namibians to honour Nujoma’s legacy is to follow the values he championed throughout his life.- kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

Vision 2030 'dies with Nujoma'

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Vision 2030 'dies with Nujoma'

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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