Nujoma’s leadership preserved traditional authorities, Ondonga king says
Ondonga community shattered by Nujoma’s passing
Nangolo praised the founding father's tough fight and the sacrifices he made to achieve independence for his country's people.
Omukwaniilwa Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo of the Ondonga Traditional Authority credits founding president Sam Nujoma for the existence and government recognition of traditional authorities.
Speaking to Namibian Sun at the palace in Onambango on Monday, Nangolo said Nujoma displayed a “genuine love for his people in Namibia and the entire African continent.”
Nangolo added that Nujoma also made sure that traditional leaders were supported and included when he established the Council of Traditional Leaders.
“Under (Nujoma’s) leadership, there was a committee that made sure all traditional authorities were gazetted and [made sure they understood] the laws and operations,” Nangolo explained.
He said that after independence, many dismissed the role of traditional authorities and called for their dissolution, arguing they were a remnant of the colonial era.
“I remember clearly when the founding father came to host a meeting at the traditional authority office in Ondonga. He said those saying traditional leaders should not exist are like someone walking but has no direction,” Nangolo said.
However, Nujoma insisted that traditional authorities should remain in place, Nangolo recounted.
Heartbreaking loss
Nangolo said the Ondonga community has been shattered by Nujoma's death. He described Nujoma as a good friend of the Aadonga community, noting that he inherited the friendship Nujoma shared with the late King Kauluma Elifas.
“Like they say, the dead meet; Nujoma is probably sitting with Omukwanilwa Elifas and catching up on what is happening on earth,” he said.
Despite Nujoma’s age, the news of his passing ssent shockwaves through the community, leaving behind a community deeply saddened by his loss.
He added that they were accustomed to Nujoma being at hand to help solve problems, offering advice when needed most, as he maintained an open-door policy.
“It was not an easy wheel to drive. He could have lost his life during the battle, and he also had to send his soldiers, knowing that some could lose their lives as they come face to face with guns and some will be wounded and disabled, but it had to be done," Nangolo said about Nujoma's dedication to fighting for an independent Namibia.
"But he had hope, resilience and perseverance to bring about independence,” Nangolo said.
- [email protected]
Speaking to Namibian Sun at the palace in Onambango on Monday, Nangolo said Nujoma displayed a “genuine love for his people in Namibia and the entire African continent.”
Nangolo added that Nujoma also made sure that traditional leaders were supported and included when he established the Council of Traditional Leaders.
“Under (Nujoma’s) leadership, there was a committee that made sure all traditional authorities were gazetted and [made sure they understood] the laws and operations,” Nangolo explained.
He said that after independence, many dismissed the role of traditional authorities and called for their dissolution, arguing they were a remnant of the colonial era.
“I remember clearly when the founding father came to host a meeting at the traditional authority office in Ondonga. He said those saying traditional leaders should not exist are like someone walking but has no direction,” Nangolo said.
However, Nujoma insisted that traditional authorities should remain in place, Nangolo recounted.
Heartbreaking loss
Nangolo said the Ondonga community has been shattered by Nujoma's death. He described Nujoma as a good friend of the Aadonga community, noting that he inherited the friendship Nujoma shared with the late King Kauluma Elifas.
“Like they say, the dead meet; Nujoma is probably sitting with Omukwanilwa Elifas and catching up on what is happening on earth,” he said.
Despite Nujoma’s age, the news of his passing ssent shockwaves through the community, leaving behind a community deeply saddened by his loss.
He added that they were accustomed to Nujoma being at hand to help solve problems, offering advice when needed most, as he maintained an open-door policy.
“It was not an easy wheel to drive. He could have lost his life during the battle, and he also had to send his soldiers, knowing that some could lose their lives as they come face to face with guns and some will be wounded and disabled, but it had to be done," Nangolo said about Nujoma's dedication to fighting for an independent Namibia.
"But he had hope, resilience and perseverance to bring about independence,” Nangolo said.
- [email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article