Thousands gather at Etunda for Nujoma

ETUNDA, 21 FEB (NAMPA) - Thousands of mourners - young and old - gathered for the memorial service of Founding President Sam Nujoma at his Etunda village residence in the Omusati region's Okahao constituency on Thursday.
Under the theme ‘Celebrating a revolutionary, honouring an African icon’, mourners gathered from as early as 16h00 till late to honour the legendary Nujoma, who sadly passed away in a Windhoek hospital on 8 February 2025 at the age of 95.
Former prime minister, Nahas Angula delivered Nujoma's eulogy, stating that people came to know Namibia because of Nujoma who led the Swapo Party for 47 years.
After his swearing in as Namibia’s first president in 1990, Nujoma stepped down in 2005.
Angula further described Nujoma as a selfless leader.
Nujoma's sister, Julia Nujoma, thanked those who assisted her brother during his struggle with ill health.
"We thank all the Namibians who assisted in keeping Nujoma alive such as health professionals and pastors who prayed for him. Nujoma was sent to earth by God to deliver his sheep out of danger," she said, while encouraging Namibians to forgive each other.
Swapo secretary general, Sophia Shaningwa said Nujoma was heaven-sent because he commanded the PLAN combatants who fought and defeated the oppressive South African apartheid regime.
"Nujoma improved the living conditions of Namibians and put up policies to heal apartheid after independence," she said.
"We are mourning the commander who have done a lot for this country, and we are no longer shedding tears because we are grateful for what you have done," Shaningwa said.
Nujoma’s remains lay in state at his residence until Friday morning. It was then moved to Eenhana in the Ohangwena Region for the second regional memorial service.
(NAMPA)
TG/ND