Matekane pays tribute to Nujoma
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE
MASERU – Prime minister Ntsokoane Matekane joined SADC heads of State and government in paying tribute to the former Namibian president and founding father Sam Nujoma who died 95. Heartfelt condolences were shared across the world following Nujoma’s passing. Hailed as Namibia’s “founding father”, Nujoma passed away on Saturday night following a three-week hospitalisation in the Namibian capital, Windhoek.
Matekane extended his condolences to the government and people of Namibia as well as to Dr Nujoma’s family and loved ones “during this difficult time” in a statement. Matekane described the fallen African hero as “a pillar of Africa’s liberation struggle, a visionary leader whose sacrifices shaped not only Namibians destiny but also inspired the entire continent. His legacy of resilience and dedication to the ideals of freedom and self determination will forever remain in our hearts”.
He concluded by honouring Nujoma’s memory describing the him as a distinguished leader, a freedom fighter, a revolutionary and a dedicated anti-apartheid activist as he is known of as his contributions were not only limited to the liberation and development of Namibia but extended to the progress and unity of Africa as a whole. Nujoma will be remembered for his easy charm and unwavering conviction, father not just to a family but a whole nation.
The anti-apartheid activist and politician died after being hospitalized for three weeks. Nujoma became involved in anti-colonial politics during the 1950. He co-founded and served as the first president of Ovamboland People’s Organization a nationalist organization advocating an independent Namibia. Nujoma was inaugurated the first president of Namibia in 1990 and re-elected in 1994 and 1999, serving until 2005 terms that undoubtedly added to being the first leader earned him “the father of the nation”.
His ability to unify a nation of three million people across 10 ethnic and linguistic communities won him many admirers.
