Nujoma personified Namibia’s struggle for freedom
Tribute to an icon
Nujoma became Namibia's first president in 1990, focusing on nation-building and reconciliation in a deeply divided society.
Sam Nujoma was an outstanding Namibian leader who personified the country’s liberation struggle and independence. His death at 95 marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures.
Together with Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, he co-founded the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), the national liberation movement. Born on 12 May 1929 in Etunda, northern Namibia, Nujoma was the eldest of 11 children. His early years were spent helping his family with cattle and farming. From 1937 to 1943, he attended the Finnish Missionary School at Okahao.
At the time, Namibia was South West Africa, a former German colony under South African apartheid rule. At 17, Nujoma became a contract worker in Walvis Bay and later a railway cleaner in Windhoek. For many of his generation, contract labour was the only alternative to subsistence farming. He soon became politically active in the labour movement, and his autobiography, Where Others Wavered, chronicles his upbringing and fight for independence. It was later adapted into a film.
Leading the Struggle
In 1959, Nujoma co-founded the Ovamboland People’s Organisation (OPO, initiating a new phase of resistance against colonial rule. African residents in Windhoek’s Old Location faced forced relocation to Katutura, sparking protests on 10 December 1959. Police opened fire, killing 11 and wounding 44. This marked a turning point in resistance efforts, leading to increased repression. Nujoma went into exile in February 1960 to campaign internationally, particularly at the United Nations.
In April 1960, OPO became Swapo, with Nujoma as its first president—a position he held until 2007. Swapo launched armed resistance against South African occupation in 1967, engaging in a war that lasted over 20 years and claimed thousands of lives. While not a military commander, Nujoma symbolised Swapo’s struggle, as reflected in Namibia’s official narrative, To Be Born A Nation.
His autobiography’s title, Where Others Wavered, comes from a statement in the late 1970s: “When the history of a free and independent Namibia is written, Swapo will go down as having stood firm where others wavered.”
Heading the State
Nujoma became Namibia’s first president in 1990, focusing on nation-building and reconciliation in a deeply divided society. He accepted constitutional protections for the white minority, ensuring political stability but maintaining economic disparities. His governance left a mixed record.
During his second term (1995-2000), reconciliation waned, and an authoritarian tone emerged. He unilaterally sent troops in 1998 to support Laurent-Désiré Kabila in the Democratic Republic of the Congo without Cabinet consultation. In August 1999, he declared a state of emergency in response to a failed secession attempt in the Caprivi Strip, leading to Namibia’s only known political refugees.
To secure a third term (2000-2005), the National Assembly amended the constitution in 1998, citing that his first term was not by direct vote. This amendment applied only to him, raising concerns about power consolidation.
Handing Over the Torch
Speculation arose over whether Nujoma would seek a fourth term. In 2004, he stated, “One cannot ignore the call by the people,” fuelling rumours of a possible referendum. Facing internal opposition, he chose party unity and announced his retirement, paving the way for a leadership contest. He strongly endorsed Hifikepunye Pohamba, his confidante, leading to a party split.
Nujoma remained Swapo president until 2007, prompting questions about his indispensability. After retiring, he was honoured as the “Founding Father of the Namibian Nation” and “Leader of the Namibian Revolution.” Though his direct influence waned, he remained an iconic figure in national politics.
Achievements Despite Limits
Many African leaders emerged from anti-colonial struggles, requiring resilience and tough decisions. This experience often fostered authoritarian tendencies, not ideal for civilian governance. Yet, Nujoma helped transition Namibia to a democratic state under the rule of law.
As Namibia’s liberation leader for over 50 years, he stepped down at the right time. His contributions paved the way for a stable democracy. This is symbolised by his statue at Windhoek’s Independence Museum, where he holds the Namibian constitution—a fitting tribute to his ultimate legacy.
Since independence, the fight for equality continues through civil means. Tatekulu (big man) Sam Nujoma deserves credit for Namibia’s peaceful transition to democracy. He remains a central figure in the nation’s history.
Hamba Kahle (go well), Tate Sam.
*Henning Melber is an Extraordinary Professor at the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria. He has been a member of SWAPO since 1974. This is an excerpt from a tribute Melber published in The Conversation.
Together with Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, he co-founded the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), the national liberation movement. Born on 12 May 1929 in Etunda, northern Namibia, Nujoma was the eldest of 11 children. His early years were spent helping his family with cattle and farming. From 1937 to 1943, he attended the Finnish Missionary School at Okahao.
At the time, Namibia was South West Africa, a former German colony under South African apartheid rule. At 17, Nujoma became a contract worker in Walvis Bay and later a railway cleaner in Windhoek. For many of his generation, contract labour was the only alternative to subsistence farming. He soon became politically active in the labour movement, and his autobiography, Where Others Wavered, chronicles his upbringing and fight for independence. It was later adapted into a film.
Leading the Struggle
In 1959, Nujoma co-founded the Ovamboland People’s Organisation (OPO, initiating a new phase of resistance against colonial rule. African residents in Windhoek’s Old Location faced forced relocation to Katutura, sparking protests on 10 December 1959. Police opened fire, killing 11 and wounding 44. This marked a turning point in resistance efforts, leading to increased repression. Nujoma went into exile in February 1960 to campaign internationally, particularly at the United Nations.
In April 1960, OPO became Swapo, with Nujoma as its first president—a position he held until 2007. Swapo launched armed resistance against South African occupation in 1967, engaging in a war that lasted over 20 years and claimed thousands of lives. While not a military commander, Nujoma symbolised Swapo’s struggle, as reflected in Namibia’s official narrative, To Be Born A Nation.
His autobiography’s title, Where Others Wavered, comes from a statement in the late 1970s: “When the history of a free and independent Namibia is written, Swapo will go down as having stood firm where others wavered.”
Heading the State
Nujoma became Namibia’s first president in 1990, focusing on nation-building and reconciliation in a deeply divided society. He accepted constitutional protections for the white minority, ensuring political stability but maintaining economic disparities. His governance left a mixed record.
During his second term (1995-2000), reconciliation waned, and an authoritarian tone emerged. He unilaterally sent troops in 1998 to support Laurent-Désiré Kabila in the Democratic Republic of the Congo without Cabinet consultation. In August 1999, he declared a state of emergency in response to a failed secession attempt in the Caprivi Strip, leading to Namibia’s only known political refugees.
To secure a third term (2000-2005), the National Assembly amended the constitution in 1998, citing that his first term was not by direct vote. This amendment applied only to him, raising concerns about power consolidation.
Handing Over the Torch
Speculation arose over whether Nujoma would seek a fourth term. In 2004, he stated, “One cannot ignore the call by the people,” fuelling rumours of a possible referendum. Facing internal opposition, he chose party unity and announced his retirement, paving the way for a leadership contest. He strongly endorsed Hifikepunye Pohamba, his confidante, leading to a party split.
Nujoma remained Swapo president until 2007, prompting questions about his indispensability. After retiring, he was honoured as the “Founding Father of the Namibian Nation” and “Leader of the Namibian Revolution.” Though his direct influence waned, he remained an iconic figure in national politics.
Achievements Despite Limits
Many African leaders emerged from anti-colonial struggles, requiring resilience and tough decisions. This experience often fostered authoritarian tendencies, not ideal for civilian governance. Yet, Nujoma helped transition Namibia to a democratic state under the rule of law.
As Namibia’s liberation leader for over 50 years, he stepped down at the right time. His contributions paved the way for a stable democracy. This is symbolised by his statue at Windhoek’s Independence Museum, where he holds the Namibian constitution—a fitting tribute to his ultimate legacy.
Since independence, the fight for equality continues through civil means. Tatekulu (big man) Sam Nujoma deserves credit for Namibia’s peaceful transition to democracy. He remains a central figure in the nation’s history.
Hamba Kahle (go well), Tate Sam.
*Henning Melber is an Extraordinary Professor at the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria. He has been a member of SWAPO since 1974. This is an excerpt from a tribute Melber published in The Conversation.
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