The Republic of Namibia, formerly German South-West Africa and South West Africa, is a country in southern Africa whose western border is the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the country is derived from the Namib Desert, considered to be the oldest desert in the world. Namibia follows a largely independent foreign policy, with persisting affiliations with states that aided the independence struggle.
Samuel Daniel Nujoma was born at Etunda, a village in Ongandjera, near the town of Okahao, Ovamboland, Southwest Africa on 12 May 1929.
Like all boys of those days, looked after his parents’ cattle, as well as assisting them at home in general work, including in the cultivation of land.
In the year 1946, Dr. Nujoma moved to the coastal town of Walvisbay to try and get a job. It was in Walvis Bay that he got exposed to modern world politics by meeting soldiers from Argentina. At the beginning of 1949, Dr. Nujoma went to live in Windhoek with his uncle where he started working for the South African Railways and attended adult night school at St. Barnabas in the Windhoek Old Location.
He had a deep passion for politics and yearned to see his people living in a free and democratic society. Dr. Nujoma resigned from the South African Railways in 1957 at the age of 29 with the purpose of devoting his full time to politics.
After being forcefully moved to Katutura (the place where we do not want to live) Blacks were prevented from moving around the country and they were required to carry a “pass” in the form of a reference book when outside set areas. It was one of the methods the South African used to enforce apartheid.
Nujoma went into exile in the 1960s after being arrested and charged with breaking the pass law system, organizing activities and rallies. For Nujoma exile concerned lobbying help from free African countries such as Ghana, Egypt, Libya, Liberia and other parts of the world.
In 1990 at Windhoek stadium, Dr. Sam Nujoma was sworn in as the first Namibian President.
“I congratulate you; People of South Africa join me in wishing you and people on New Nation of Namibia Prosperity and good fortune. May almighty God be with you, thank you.” F.W De Klerk former South African President told.
He was re-elected twice to office in 1994 and 1999.
He initiated the construction of Heroes Acre. Holds and preserves the memories of fallen Namibians who meaningfully contributed to the freedom of the country it is part of Sam Nujoma legacy.
“When we think about Dr. Nujoma we think about the Paradigm shift, in the sense that he took from resistance, struggle, the spirit of freeing the nation,” Rev. Solomon April told.
Unlike many African Leaders who prefer overstaying in power, he stepped down on 21 March 2005, handing over the reins of power to his successor His Excellency President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
