The Chairperson of the National Council, Lukas Muha, has described the death of Namibia’s founding president, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, as a profound loss for the nation. Muha made these remarks during a candle-lighting ceremony held in honor of Nujoma, Namibia’s first president, at the National Council.

Reflecting on Nujoma’s legacy, Muha highlighted the late president’s leadership during the intense liberation struggle from 1960 to 1989, a period marked by fierce battles for freedom. He emphasized that those who lived through this era were uniquely shaped by their experiences, setting them apart from others who participated in the struggle.

Muha also recalled Dr. Nujoma’s vision for national unity, noting that the founding president encouraged Namibians to embrace their African identity first, then their Namibian nationality, before identifying with specific ethnic groups such as the Herero, Kavango, Damara, and others. He praised Dr. Nujoma as a “great Pan-Africanist” whose influence extended far beyond Namibia’s borders.

The Vice Chairperson of the National Council, Victoria Kauma, shared personal memories of working with the late Dr. Nujoma, underscoring his enduring impact on the nation. Members of Parliament (MPs) also paid tribute to the founding president, reflecting on his monumental contributions to Namibia’s independence and development.

Swapo MP Leonard Shikulo, the constituency councilor for Okahao, described Nujoma’s loss as “immeasurable,” recalling how the late president had shaped Namibia’s future from its earliest days. Similarly, Nudo’s Peter Kazongominja noted that with Nujoma’s passing, Namibia has now lost both pillars of its independence.

When asked about the impact of Dr. Nujoma’s absence on Namibia’s political landscape, Swapo’s Richard Gaoseb expressed that the country would never be the same. He emphasized that Namibia’s identity is deeply intertwined with Nujoma’s legacy, adding that former President Dr. Hage Geingob had often drawn wisdom from Nujoma’s leadership.

The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Dr. Nujoma’s enduring influence on Namibia’s history and his unwavering commitment to the nation’s unity and progress.