The death of Namibia's Founding President, Sam Nujoma, marked the end of the leaders or founders of the liberation movements that led struggles to break free from colonial oppression.

The history of Southern Africa in the 20th century was dominated by the rise of apartheid colonialism. 

Sam Nujoma, Namibia's first president, stood up and fought for his people to free them from the shackles of South Africa's illegal occupation.

Nujoma's history cannot be written without the leaders of the Frontline States, namely, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Zambia's Kenneth Kaunda, Angola's Dr. Augustino Neto, and Samora Machel of Mozambique.

There were seven brave men who decided that enough was enough and were determined to end colonial oppression.

Later, they became iconic revolutionaries and founding presidents of their countries. 

Julius Nyerere became the first President of Tanzania in 1964, and he stepped down 23 years later.

Mwalimu, which means teacher, was defined as a charismatic leader of sharp intellect who pursued the ideals of liberation, democracy and common humanity on the African continent. 

Those who knew him said he lived what he preached, and his path was less travelled by many.

Nyerere was a teacher by profession but chose politics.

Tanzania was the first country to offer support to PLAN fighters and their training during Namibia's liberation struggle.

He died in 1999 at the age of 77.

And then, there was another charismatic and thoughtful leader of Mozambique, Samora Machel.

A nurse by profession, his people described Machel as a people person and a crowd puller whose charisma, beliefs, and decisive legacy are still respected and admired to date.

He despised tribalism and is known for his well-articulated phrase, 'The tribe must die for a nation to be born.'

During his time, Mozambique played a crucial role in supporting Namibia's struggle for independence by providing a safe haven and logistical support.

Machel, who became Mozambique's leader in 1975, died 11 years later in a plane crash at age 53.

On the western-central coast of Southern Africa lies Angola, and a physician, philosopher, and famous poet was to become Angola's first President.

Antonio Neto led the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) in the war for independence for 13 years.

Neto was honoured by the Angolans as the "Father of Modern Angola."

Just as with Machel, Neto also had a history in the health sector, where he offered free healthcare service consultations to his people.

The Father of Modern Angola was recognised for his contribution to the struggle against colonialism and for striving for the ideals of freedom, development, and solidarity on the African continent. His support for Namibia's independence struggle was decisive in the country's guerrilla warfare.

He died at the age of 57 in 1979 after governing for four years.

Known for his prison number at Robben Island, 46664, the anti-apartheid activist and politician Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africa's first President in 1994.

His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by fostering racial reconciliation.

A lawyer by profession, he was fearless and disliked intimidation and those who undermined one's intelligence.

Mandela stepped down after serving one term.

Rolihlahla also attended the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Sam Nujoma as President in 1990.

Globally regarded as an icon of democracy and social justice, the Madiba of Mzansi died in 2013, aged 95.

The longest-serving President of all was Robert Mugabe, who stood against Western colonialism and imperialism.

He became Zimbabwe's President in 1987 before serving as executive Prime Minister.

Gabriel was regarded as a dedicated Pan-Africanist, an extraordinary First Wave African leader, and a hero of the cause for freedom in Africa.

He did not mince his words against those wishing to stick their noses where they did not belong.  

Mugabe was a close friend of Nujoma, and after governing for 30 years, he died at the age of 95, just as Nujoma.

Then there was a handkerchief man, Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia.

A teacher by profession, Kaunda became that country's Founding President in 1964.

Affectionately known as KK, he was at the forefront of the struggle for independence and opposed white minority rule in southern Africa.

As a giant of 20th-century African nationalism, he was a leader who, at great cost, gave refuge to revolutionary movements and served as a mediator between the colonial governments and guerrilla movements.

After leading Zambia for 27 years, Kaunda stepped down in 1991 and passed away at the age of 97.

Sam Nujoma was the last man standing of all the leaders of the liberation movements.

He joined the anti-colonial politics during the 1950s and dedicated his life to liberating his motherland, Namibia.

Fuelled by the dream to have an independent Namibia, the man popular for safari suits, Nujoma, as a commander in chief, led soldiers in battlefields.

He also posed a formidable challenge to the oppressive regimes in the Southern African region.

As wished, Nujoma became Namibia's first President in 1990 and served for 15 years.

All liberation movement leaders have now breathed their last.

Nujoma was buried at the Heroes Acre during a ceremony that was attended by thousands of mourners nationally and beyond.