Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba says he was not surprised at the passing of Namibia's Founding President, Sam Nujoma, recalling a recent hospital visit where Nujoma's health appeared frail.
Pohamba said during their last meeting, they were unable to converse as they usually did, which had become a cherished routine over the years.
The nbc News team met up with the former president at his home village of Okanghudi-KaPohambo in the Ohangwena Region, where he reflected on the life of the late Founding President.
Pohamba pointed out that the late Nujoma's contributions to Namibia were immense. The former President said he deeply mourns his leader and friend, but stated that Nujoma's life and achievements should be celebrated, ensuring his legacy endures for generations.
The two leaders first met in 1960 in Dar es Salaam, sparking a friendship that grew stronger over the decades.
In a heartfelt tribute, Pohamba said no amount of radio or TV time would be sufficient for him to speak on the life and times of Nujoma and to thank him for his leadership that inspired Namibians to go into exile to fight for Namibia's liberation.
"Sam Nujoma is dead, but we must not forget what Nujoma has done for us, as he is no more. Death should not give an impression that all that he did should die; we must develop what he has done and what his successors have done. For the improvement of the development of the people of this country. Forward ever, backwards never, even if he is no more; forward ever, backwards never."
He said the late SWAPO leader continued to play a defining role even after he retired from active politics, serving as an anchor in times of turbulence. He implored party leaders to work together and follow in the footsteps of Nujoma, Geingob, and himself to accelerate development and drive agendas that will bring about positive change at the grassroots level.
"Now we have Nangolo Mbumba and Netumbo Ndaitwah. These are the people I am looking at to lead as Nujoma, Hage, and Pohamba did in their time to keep unity because if we are not united, we won't be able to talk about the development of this country."
Pohamba assured Namibians that he is in good spirits, noting that as Namibians mourn the passing of Namibia's ultimate hero, they should not stop working for the betterment of the Namibian people.
"Certainly I do not want to see people sitting around mourning, doing nothing; you sit down there; you need to eat. Where is food going to come from? I believe that during the mourning, our people should not sit down; they should continue working as they did before Nujoma died."
Pohamba concluded by calling on Namibians to continue to pay befitting tributes even after the final salute that will be accorded him by Namibia and the world.