Kavango West holds candle-lighting ceremony in Nujoma's honour

NKURENKURU, 18 FEB (NAMPA) - Residents of the Kavango West Region turned out in large numbers Monday evening for a candle-lighting ceremony held in honour of Founding President, Sam Nujoma, at the Kavango West Governor’s office.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kavango West Governor Sirkka Ausiku described the late Founding President as not only a liberator, but also a leader who worked tirelessly to unite all Namibians in pursuit of a common goal.
“The Founding President was a man of deep compassion, who cared deeply about the needs of his people. He was passionate about education; his wish was for all Namibian children to be in school. He was also passionate about women’s empowerment; he worked very hard. All of us remember that during his tenure, he made sure there were women’s desks, which later became the Department of Women’s Affairs and eventually a ministry during his tenure,” said Ausiku, further thanking Nujoma for encouraging the Kavango West Region to get involved in agriculture.
She said Nujoma last visited the region in 2023, during the Easter weekend, when he visited the palace and the regional leadership.
“During his tenure, all our green schemes were operating at full scale, and we will remember him for promoting food security,” said Ausiku.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Kavango West Region Swapo Regional Coordinator, Elina Magano Diparo, said the late Founding Father was selfless and loving, and sacrificed a lot for his people, doing so with humility. She noted that his leadership resonated deeply during the dark days of apartheid, suffering and humiliation, yet he stood as a beacon of hope.
“He was a true leader, whose memory we will always cherish. For our generation, he will always be remembered,” said Diparo.
Nujoma died in a Windhoek hospital on 08 February at the age of 95.
He is expected to be buried at the Heroes’ Acre on 01 March 2025.
(NAMPA)
JLN/HP/AS