Nujoma won Walvis Bay back without firing a single bullet - Ben Amathila
Erongo bids farewell to founding father
It was a bittersweet memorial service for Founding Father Dr. Sam Nujoma in Walvis Bay at the Kuisebmond Stadium.
Thousands gathered to pay their respects to founding father Sam Nujoma at the Kuisebmond Stadium on Tuesday during the official regional memorial service.
Community members, the majority of whom were school-going learners, lined the streets where the military hearse carrying Nujoma's remains travelled from the airport to the stadium. Some waved the Namibian flag, while others saluted their hero.
At the memorial ceremony, Erongo governor Neville Andre highlighted the special bond Nujoma had with Walvis Bay.
"His early days in Walvis Bay, starting as a labourer but also meeting a diverse group of fishermen from across the globe, helped him cut his political teeth. It was here in Walvis Bay that his dream for a free Namibia was ignited, shaping his resolve and determination to fight for the total liberation of Namibia. It is also here that he met the late Nathanael Maxuilili, the late Frank Abrahams, and many other revolutionaries."
Andre also highlighted Nujoma’s critical role in the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia in 1994.
Nujoma will be laid to rest on 1 March, the same day Walvis Bay will be celebrating its 31st year of reintegration into Namibia.
"It was his steadfastness and resolve that led to the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia. He understood the strategic and symbolic importance of this region, not only as a gateway to the world but also as a vital part of our national identity. His relentless efforts and diplomatic acumen ensured that Walvis Bay was rightfully returned to Namibia, completing the territorial integrity of our nation," Andre said.
Andre added that Nujoma also called the Erongo Region home.
"He maintained residences in both Walvis Bay and Henties Bay, where he found solace and inspiration amidst the beauty of our coastline. His presence here was a testament to his love for this region."
‘Not alone’
Nujoma’s granddaughter Winnie Mukupuki said it was heartwarming to see all the residents lining up along the road to pay their final respects.
"We sincerely thank the mourners in the country for their prayers, messages and visits to Tatekulu's residence. It was so heartwarming coming from the airport and driving through the streets of Walvis Bay and seeing all the children and the people of the town standing and giving their last respects to him. It was very moving. Your support brings us comfort, and we are grateful to know we are not alone during this difficult time."
She added that it is crucial for the youth to reflect on the journeys of those who came before them.
"Such reflections connect us to our roots, unite us as a people, and ensure that we never, ever return to the dark times of our past. By understanding our history, we empower the present generation to move forward with purpose, resilience and a shared commitment to a better future."
The beginning
She also highlighted Nujoma's bond with the region.
"It was here in Walvis Bay that Tatekulu encountered soldiers returning from wars across the globe, including Europe. These encounters marked the beginning of his journey into a new era of enlightenment," she said.
She noted that Nujoma was also "tremendously proud of the growing significance of the Port of Walvis Bay and witnessed the inauguration of several dry ports accorded to some SADC nations. He greatly supported the fishing industry, and fishing was a great pastime of his. Though the founding president is no longer with us, the work to achieve our national development goals must continue with unwavering dedication."
Mukupuki encouraged the youth to step up.
"We need to fight for economic emancipation with our minds, with our God-given ideas, and with our talents. Tatekulu heeded this call, and we must do the same. We now face a new set of challenges, and we must liberate ourselves from economic constraints, moving beyond our dependence on international aid, bailouts and other forms of support."
Be united
Representative of the Chief Mourner and former minister Ben Amathila, during his tribute, said Nujoma "steered us through all kinds of situations. We got Namibia liberated; we got Walvis Bay back, and he told us one thing – we are a small country, but Namibia must be united."
Amathila highlighted the immense role Nujoma played in Namibia’s independence and the reintegration of Walvis Bay.
"[Under his leadership], we won Walvis Bay back without firing a single bullet. It is our loss; it is Namibia’s loss, and we can only thank him for a job well done."
Community members, the majority of whom were school-going learners, lined the streets where the military hearse carrying Nujoma's remains travelled from the airport to the stadium. Some waved the Namibian flag, while others saluted their hero.
At the memorial ceremony, Erongo governor Neville Andre highlighted the special bond Nujoma had with Walvis Bay.
"His early days in Walvis Bay, starting as a labourer but also meeting a diverse group of fishermen from across the globe, helped him cut his political teeth. It was here in Walvis Bay that his dream for a free Namibia was ignited, shaping his resolve and determination to fight for the total liberation of Namibia. It is also here that he met the late Nathanael Maxuilili, the late Frank Abrahams, and many other revolutionaries."
Andre also highlighted Nujoma’s critical role in the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia in 1994.
Nujoma will be laid to rest on 1 March, the same day Walvis Bay will be celebrating its 31st year of reintegration into Namibia.
"It was his steadfastness and resolve that led to the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia. He understood the strategic and symbolic importance of this region, not only as a gateway to the world but also as a vital part of our national identity. His relentless efforts and diplomatic acumen ensured that Walvis Bay was rightfully returned to Namibia, completing the territorial integrity of our nation," Andre said.
Andre added that Nujoma also called the Erongo Region home.
"He maintained residences in both Walvis Bay and Henties Bay, where he found solace and inspiration amidst the beauty of our coastline. His presence here was a testament to his love for this region."
‘Not alone’
Nujoma’s granddaughter Winnie Mukupuki said it was heartwarming to see all the residents lining up along the road to pay their final respects.
"We sincerely thank the mourners in the country for their prayers, messages and visits to Tatekulu's residence. It was so heartwarming coming from the airport and driving through the streets of Walvis Bay and seeing all the children and the people of the town standing and giving their last respects to him. It was very moving. Your support brings us comfort, and we are grateful to know we are not alone during this difficult time."
She added that it is crucial for the youth to reflect on the journeys of those who came before them.
"Such reflections connect us to our roots, unite us as a people, and ensure that we never, ever return to the dark times of our past. By understanding our history, we empower the present generation to move forward with purpose, resilience and a shared commitment to a better future."
The beginning
She also highlighted Nujoma's bond with the region.
"It was here in Walvis Bay that Tatekulu encountered soldiers returning from wars across the globe, including Europe. These encounters marked the beginning of his journey into a new era of enlightenment," she said.
She noted that Nujoma was also "tremendously proud of the growing significance of the Port of Walvis Bay and witnessed the inauguration of several dry ports accorded to some SADC nations. He greatly supported the fishing industry, and fishing was a great pastime of his. Though the founding president is no longer with us, the work to achieve our national development goals must continue with unwavering dedication."
Mukupuki encouraged the youth to step up.
"We need to fight for economic emancipation with our minds, with our God-given ideas, and with our talents. Tatekulu heeded this call, and we must do the same. We now face a new set of challenges, and we must liberate ourselves from economic constraints, moving beyond our dependence on international aid, bailouts and other forms of support."
Be united
Representative of the Chief Mourner and former minister Ben Amathila, during his tribute, said Nujoma "steered us through all kinds of situations. We got Namibia liberated; we got Walvis Bay back, and he told us one thing – we are a small country, but Namibia must be united."
Amathila highlighted the immense role Nujoma played in Namibia’s independence and the reintegration of Walvis Bay.
"[Under his leadership], we won Walvis Bay back without firing a single bullet. It is our loss; it is Namibia’s loss, and we can only thank him for a job well done."
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