Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the people and government of Namibia following the passing of former President Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. Nujoma passed away this weekend at the age of 95. The President further extended sympathies to the former Namibian President’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of Nujoma’s leadership and legacy.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized the shared history between South Africa and Namibia, highlighting Nujoma’s integral role in the struggle against Apartheid. “As neighbours and compatriots, South Africa is united in grief with Namibians who have lost the leader of the Namibian revolution, who is inseparable from our own history of struggle and liberation,” said President Ramaphosa.
Nujoma was a prominent anti-Apartheid activist and became Namibia’s founding president after the country achieved independence from Apartheid South Africa. He was known for leading the Ovambo People’s Organisa
tion, the South West Africa People’s Organisation, and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia, playing a pivotal role in the fight against colonial and apartheid forces.
President Ramaphosa noted that Nujoma’s leadership inspired pride and resistance among the Namibian people, which contributed significantly to the country’s independence in 1990. This event, he said, served as a beacon of hope for South Africa’s own liberation.
The former President’s leadership is credited with strengthening the relationship between South Africa and Namibia. “President Nujoma’s leadership of a free Namibia laid the foundation for the solidarity and partnership our two countries share today – a partnership we will continue to deepen as neighbours and friends,” President Ramaphosa stated.
In his remarks, President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for Nujoma’s long life and dedication to his nation, wishing for peace for his soul and healing for the Namibian people in the wake of his passing.