Bošković family pays tribute to Nujoma
Praise Nujoma's leadership and courage
The family say they will cherish the warm and encouraging relationship they shared with Nujoma.
Former honorary consul of Namibia to Serbia, Vasilije Bošković, and his family have extended heartfelt condolences to the Namibian nation and the family of the late founding president Dr Sam Nujoma, following his passing.
Bošković served as the honorary consul in Serbia from 2002 to 2024. In a touching tribute, the family reflected on their long-standing relationship with Nujoma and his remarkable legacy.
In a statement, Bošković, his wife Draga and their sons, Dr Viseslav Willy Bošković and Rade Jimmy Bošković, the current honorary consul, expressed their deep sorrow.
"The late founding president Dr Nujoma was a formidable leader who endured the necessary struggles to ensure Namibia gained its independence, to bring and maintain peace, stability, and equality for all," the family wrote.
"His leadership, guidance and principles have left an everlasting impact on all our lives as Namibians."
The Bošković family’s connection to Nujoma dates back to 1961 when Vasilije first met the late leader in Belgrade. Later that year, during the Non-Aligned Movement Conference held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Bošković was responsible for ensuring Nujoma’s security.
It was at this conference that Nujoma was asked how he planned to overcome the apartheid regime of South Africa, which possessed nuclear weapons. His determined response was: "I will beat them."
This pivotal moment solidified the relationship between Namibia’s liberation movement and Yugoslavia. At the time, President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia pledged support, entrusting Bošković and others with assisting Namibia’s struggle for independence.
Cherished relationship
Decades later, in 1990, Nujoma’s vision was realised with Namibia's independence. During the nation’s inaugural celebrations and his swearing-in as the first president, Draga Bošković served as the head liaison for the Yugoslavian delegation, which was led by the late President Janez Drnovšek.
The family noted that they will cherish the warm and encouraging relationship they shared with Nujoma, recalling his unwavering support for education, fairness, equality and perseverance.
"We were always greeted with his contagious, sincere and everlasting warm smile and will ensure that his memory and legacy live on," they stated.
The family furthermore highlighted the immense pride and honour they feel in having contributed to Namibia’s liberation struggle and subsequent nation-building efforts.
"It is a sad day to learn of his passing, but the Namibian nation and our family can be particularly proud to have been a part of his dream, his legacy and the great nation of Namibia that he formed," the statement read.
Offering their final respects, the family assured that they stand in solidarity with the Namibian people during this period of mourning. "We hold his family and our fellow Namibians in our thoughts and prayers," they concluded.
Bošković served as the honorary consul in Serbia from 2002 to 2024. In a touching tribute, the family reflected on their long-standing relationship with Nujoma and his remarkable legacy.
In a statement, Bošković, his wife Draga and their sons, Dr Viseslav Willy Bošković and Rade Jimmy Bošković, the current honorary consul, expressed their deep sorrow.
"The late founding president Dr Nujoma was a formidable leader who endured the necessary struggles to ensure Namibia gained its independence, to bring and maintain peace, stability, and equality for all," the family wrote.
"His leadership, guidance and principles have left an everlasting impact on all our lives as Namibians."
The Bošković family’s connection to Nujoma dates back to 1961 when Vasilije first met the late leader in Belgrade. Later that year, during the Non-Aligned Movement Conference held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Bošković was responsible for ensuring Nujoma’s security.
It was at this conference that Nujoma was asked how he planned to overcome the apartheid regime of South Africa, which possessed nuclear weapons. His determined response was: "I will beat them."
This pivotal moment solidified the relationship between Namibia’s liberation movement and Yugoslavia. At the time, President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia pledged support, entrusting Bošković and others with assisting Namibia’s struggle for independence.
Cherished relationship
Decades later, in 1990, Nujoma’s vision was realised with Namibia's independence. During the nation’s inaugural celebrations and his swearing-in as the first president, Draga Bošković served as the head liaison for the Yugoslavian delegation, which was led by the late President Janez Drnovšek.
The family noted that they will cherish the warm and encouraging relationship they shared with Nujoma, recalling his unwavering support for education, fairness, equality and perseverance.
"We were always greeted with his contagious, sincere and everlasting warm smile and will ensure that his memory and legacy live on," they stated.
The family furthermore highlighted the immense pride and honour they feel in having contributed to Namibia’s liberation struggle and subsequent nation-building efforts.
"It is a sad day to learn of his passing, but the Namibian nation and our family can be particularly proud to have been a part of his dream, his legacy and the great nation of Namibia that he formed," the statement read.
Offering their final respects, the family assured that they stand in solidarity with the Namibian people during this period of mourning. "We hold his family and our fellow Namibians in our thoughts and prayers," they concluded.
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