The Thabo Mbeki Foundation has learned with profound sorrow of the passing of His Excellency Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation. We join millions of Africans in extending our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Namibia, to the Nujoma and Kondombolo families—including Her Excellency Kovambo Nujoma, Dr. Nujoma’s children—and to all friends and comrades in SWAPO.
Dr. Sam Nujoma was the last living member of a remarkable generation of African leaders who brought their nations out of colonial or white minority rule. In the ranks of Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Samora Machel of Mozambique, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo of Namibia, and many others, President Nujoma fought tirelessly for freedom, justice, and the inalienable right of African nations to determine their own destinies.
Throughout his extraordinary life, President Nujoma embodied the essence of Pan-Africanism and Solidarity. He always placed the development of Africa and the unity of its people at the centre of his work. A dear friend of the people of South Africa, President Nujoma stood shoulder to shoulder with our own freedom fighters, forming an unbreakable bond of principled struggle against apartheid and oppression in Southern Africa.
His steadfast commitment to African unity and global justice was rightly recognized through numerous honours, including South Africa’s Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Gold, awarded for his resolute opposition to the apartheid regime and his efforts in leading Namibian forces who fought alongside South African liberation movements. In his lifetime, Dr. Nujoma never wavered in his resolve that no struggle would be complete until the women of Southern Africa—indeed, of all Africa—were truly liberated, echoing the joint pledge he once made with the venerable Oliver Tambo in 1985.
Following independence, President Nujoma dedicated his tenure and influence to the development and unity of the Namibian people, never losing sight of the broader African cause. Even as he guided Namibia to freedom, he served as a guiding light for all who strove for a self-reliant, prosperous, and peaceful continent. His philosophy that “a united people, striving to achieve the common good for all members in society, will always emerge victorious,” continues to resonate as a call to action for every African nation pursuing genuine human development.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his monumental legacy. Dr. Sam Nujoma now takes his place alongside fellow giants in the struggle for liberation who selflessly fought for our collective dignity and inspired many never to dishonour the course of freedom. The Thabo Mbeki Foundation believes there is no more fitting tribute to his memory than for the people of Namibia, Africa, and the world to recommit ourselves to the ideals he championed: the unwavering pursuit of unity, the unshakable belief in our capacity for self-determination, and the dedication to building inclusive, prosperous societies.
In honouring his life, let us forge ahead with the spirit of Pan-Africanism, bound by solidarity and an abiding devotion to the continent we cherish. May Dr Sam Nujoma’s enduring example guide all of us towards an Africa that is truly free, peaceful, and flourishing.
Hamba kahle, Comrade Sam Nujoma! May your selfless spirit and indelible legacy live on in all our endeavours as we seek to rid our continent of underdevelopment and ignorance.
