Freedom fighter Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma also valued his spirituality.
Bishop Emeritus Johannes Sindano, a church elder, spoke to nbc news about how Nujoma's faith impacted his fellow soldiers.
"Sam Shafiishuna is a full member of our church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. We thank God for this special freedom fighter. We also owe gratitude to Mekulu Mpingana Kondombolo and Daniel Nujoma, who raised this remarkable man. When Sam Shafiishuna left Namibia, he was a member of ELCIN. Based on our observations, and speaking on behalf of ELCIN, I recall the retired Bishop Ndumeni, who led our church during the struggle. While abroad, Sam Shafiishuna received assistance from Eastern Europe, including weapons. At that time, Eastern Europe had distanced itself from Christianity, yet he maintained his faith in Zambia and especially in Angola. None of those freedom fighters or returnees who came back in 1989 were baptized; all were baptized because of Sam."
Bishop Emeritus Sindano believes Namibians can learn much from Nujoma's legacy.
"They should embrace the legacy of our late leader. For instance, Sam Nujoma established UNAM. Before independence, Namibia lacked universities, but now we have institutions even in Rundu. Education is accessible to all, allowing people to study worldwide. We must prioritize learning and apply our knowledge to help our communities. The youth should study diligently; instead of exporting raw minerals to Europe, we should process them here. If we export cars, let them be finished products, not just iron; if it’s copper, let’s send wire, not raw copper."
Bishop Sindano expressed his condolences to Nujoma's family and friends.
"Our heartfelt condolences go to our former First Lady, Her Excellency Mekulu Kovambo Nuyoma, and the entire Nujoma and Kondombolo families. We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founding president, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, a freedom fighter and pan-Africanist. We stand united in grief with his family and with Namibia and Africa as a whole for the loss of a man who fought tirelessly for our independence."