EDITORIAL: Honouring Nujoma should not hurt Namibians

The decision to cancel all sporting events and public gatherings during late president Sam Nujoma’s mourning period is both shocking and unnecessary. It is a move that, had he been alive to approve, he would have outright rejected. President Nujoma was not a man of excess or impracticality. He championed hard work, progress and innovation. Sport is more than just a pastime – it is work, a livelihood and for many Namibians, a means of survival. By abruptly cancelling these events, including internationally scheduled matches with paid logistics, flights and accommodations, we are not paying tribute – we are simply causing unnecessary disruptions. Instead of confining Namibians to their homes in sorrow, a more fitting tribute would be to honor president Nujoma through meaningful gestures – such as moments of silence before matches. He would have wanted the nation to remain productive, not paralysed. Moreover, this decision directly impacts young people already struggling with unemployment and financial insecurity. The cost of prolonged event cancellations falls hardest on those who rely on these occasions for their income. A weekend of national reflection, as seen last year when president Geingob passed, would have been a reasonable and balanced approach.



President Nujoma’s legacy should be remembered for his bravery, humility and unwavering dedication to Namibia – not for the economic and emotional strain caused by indefinite event cancellations in his name.



Let us honour him in ways that reflect his true values – by continuing to work hard, by coming together in unity, and by keeping Namibia moving forward.