Leaders from the Southern African Development Community gathered to pay tribute to Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, during his funeral in Windhoek. Notable attendees included leaders from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, and other nations. Mnangagwa and Lourenço highlighted Nujoma’s legacy of justice and equality, referencing his significant role in regional liberation movements.
On Saturday, leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) came together to honor Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, during his funeral in Windhoek. Nujoma, who played a pivotal role in Namibia’s independence, was interred at Heroes’ Acre with full honors. Key figures attending included South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Angolan President João Lourenço, who had spoken at the state memorial held the day prior.
At the memorial service, President Mnangagwa remarked that Nujoma’s passing represents a profound loss for both Namibia and the broader region. He highlighted Nujoma’s dedication to justice and equality, emphasizing that these values would endure in collective memory. President Lourenço praised Nujoma as a champion of his people’s rights, calling him “an outstanding figure in African contemporary history” and a symbol of the struggle for liberation across southern Africa.
Several other leaders joined the memorial, including Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane of Lesotho and Prime Minister Russell Dlamini of Eswatini. Former leaders such as Ian Khama from Botswana, Thabo Mbeki from South Africa, and Joseph Kabila from the Democratic Republic of Congo also paid their respects, alongside representatives from Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania.
Former Zimbabwe First Lady Grace Mugabe recalled her longstanding relationship with Nujoma, noting that even before his presidency, he frequently conversed with her late husband, Robert Mugabe, about Namibia’s aspirations for independence. Nujoma’s legacy as a revolutionary leader and the last surviving founding figure of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 underscores his significance in African history.
The funeral of Sam Nujoma was marked by the presence of numerous leaders from the Southern African region, illustrating the profound impact he had on their nations. Nujoma’s commitment to freedom and justice is remembered as a vital part of the struggle for liberation in southern Africa. His passing is not only a loss for Namibia but for all who value the ideals he championed.
Original Source: allafrica.com
