Founding father's influence on student leaders

In the wake of Dr Sam Nujoma's passing on 8 February, Namibia reflected on the legacy of its founding father.From humble beginnings in Etunda village, Nujoma's journey from a cattle herder to the nation's first president offers profound lessons for today's young leaders.The outgoing SRC president of the University of Namibia (UNAM), Twapewa-Ashihe Mungoba, reflected on Nujoma’s legacy and shared her thoughts. “His leadership was rooted in service to the people and he was dedicated to improving the lives of ordinary Namibians. “For us as young leaders, this serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is not about personal gain but about making a positive impact in the lives of others.”Morres Samuel, the SRC president of Triumphant College, also paid tribute to Nujoma, highlighting his resilience.He mentioned that one key lesson young leaders can take from the late founding father: The importance of standing firm against injustice and fighting for what is right. “The most important thing I learned from our late founding father is that education has no age. If you have a vision and a dream, chase it regardless of your age.”Jackson Salom, the SRC president of Welwitchia University, echoed these sentiments, emphasising Nujoma’s determination. He stated that Nujoma’s resilience and courage were unmatched, recalling how during the liberation struggle, he had faced threats, imprisonment and exile, yet he had continued to fight for the country’s freedom. “Often he had to make tough decisions under immense pressure.”Lingua SRC president Eliaser Shilongo reflected on the impact of the late founding father on his life. “Meeting him was like meeting a hero,” he said, recalling their first encounter in 2013. He emphasised how Nujoma’s encouragement to “study hard and aim for university” shaped his academic journey. From childhood visits to Etunda to personal moments at celebrations, Shilongo cherished these lessons. “His words stayed with me,” he added, crediting them for his achievements as a student leader and scholar.During his tenure as president, Nujoma recognised that an educated populace was essential for the country's progress. He worked diligently to improve access to education for all Namibians, making significant investments in building schools and training educators to rectify disparities caused by the apartheid-era system. His vision was to create an inclusive education system that empowered every citizen, reflecting his belief that education was a fundamental right and a tool for liberation. These efforts are documented in various historical analyses of his tenure.

Founding father's influence on student leaders

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-11

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Founding father's influence on student leaders

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-11

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