CCM eulogises Namibia’s Nujoma
NAMIBIA: THE Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Secretary General, Dr Emmanuel John Nchimbi has lauded the ongoing economic freedom and social prosperity struggles across Southern Africa, describing them as a tribute to the founding fathers of political liberation in the region.
Speaking at the state funeral service for Namibia’s First President and Father of the Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma in Windhoek, Dr Nchimbi stressed that the current generation of leaders, alongside the parties that led the liberation movements, continue to honour and uphold the efforts of the region’s independence pioneers.
The funeral service was held at Independence Stadium in the Namibia’s capital, Windhoek.
He said the founders fought tirelessly for the principles of human dignity, democracy, African unity, self-determination, peace and solidarity, the values that remain fundamental for the progress of all people in Africa and beyond.
The ceremony was attended by thousands of mourners, including senior leaders of Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party.
Among them were SWAPO Vice-President, Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi Ndaitwah who is also the Namibian President-elect and SWAPO Secretary General, Ms Sophia Shaningwa.
Others were family members of the fallen Dr Nujoma along with leaders from various allied political parties.
Dr Nchimbi e xpressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Nujoma, saying: “The news of President Nujoma’s death deeply saddened us. When we received this news, we were truly shocked. He was the last remaining leader among the pioneers of Southern Africa’s liberation and one of the founders of the Frontline States. He was our remaining source of wisdom and a symbol of our liberation. We feel robbed. We feel lost.”
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Reflecting on Dr Nujoma’s contribution to the Southern Africa’s liberation struggle, Dr Nchimbi explained that Namibia’s victory over colonial rule was a strategic triumph for the frontline states and that the independence paved the way for continued resistance against apartheid in South Africa.
“President Nujoma is among Africa’s founding leaders who liberated their countries and peacefully relinquished power. In doing so, he placed Namibia on the path to democracy and peaceful leadership. This explains why Namibia today stands as a model of democracy in Africa. This is his enduring legacy,” said Dr Nchimbi.
Looking back on the liberation struggle, Dr Nchimbi shared how the late President Nujoma was forced into exile during Namibia’s fight for independence, using a Tanzanian passport under the name Samuel Mwakangale. This, he noted, was a testament to how Tanzania served as a safe haven for SWAPO and liberation movements in general.
He conveyed greetings from CCM Chairman, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, to the people of Namibia, describing Dr Nujoma as: “A freedom fighter, a determined African and a true friend of Tanzania, who once lived here during Namibia’s liberation struggle. He lived a life of service, shaping the future and direction of his country, while inspiring generations to stand for the values of freedom, equality and justice.”
In his closing remarks, Dr Nchimbi offered a message of tribute to Africa’s liberation pioneers who have passed on. He said: “Our final emblem has gone. Our last hero has fallen. Our final leader of the frontline states has joined his peers. Comrade Nujoma, please deliver greetings to Julius Nyerere, Agostinho Neto, Samora Machel, Kenneth Kaunda, Robert Mugabe and Nelson Mandela. We thank them for bringing us political freedom. Tell them that the struggle for economic prosperity in Southern Africa continues!” The burial for the son of Africa will take place today at the Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek.
