The revolutionary leader, Sam Nujoma who guided Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, has died at 95.
Nujoma, an African icon, his death was announced in a statement this Sunday by the Namibian President Dr Nangolo Mbumba.
According to him, “It is with utmost sorrow and sadness that I announce this morning of the 9th of February 2025 to Namibian people, our African brothers and sisters and the world at large, about passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader, H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. 
He added that President Nujoma passed on at the age of 95 on the 8th of February at 23h45 in Windhoek, Namibia, saying, “Our Founding Father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country.
“Our Founding Father heroically marshalled the Namibian people during the darkest hours of our liberation struggle until the attainment of freedom and independence on the 21st of March 1990.
“As Founding President, His Excellency, Dr. Sam Nujoma provided maximum leadership to our nation and spared no effort to motivate each and every Namibian to build a country that would stand tall and proud among the nations of the world.
“In that vein, our venerable leader, Dr. Nujoma did not only blaze the trail to freedom – but he also inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors,” he said.
Former Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo on X said he is saddened by the news of the death of H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma, Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and one of the heroes of African liberation.
Akufo-Addo emphasized that the late first President of Namibia’s life would continue to be celebrated for his heroic leadership of the people of Namibia not only in the fight for independence from colonial rule, but in laying the foundation for a secure, prosperous and democratic nation.
The ex-President joined the many Africans and others around the world in conveying condolences to President Nangolo Mbumba and the people of Namibia, his widow, children and the leadership of his SWAPO party.
“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,” exact words from South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa while reacting to the death on X.
The President noted that Dr Sam Nujoma was extraordinary freedom fighter who divided his revolutionary programme between Namibia’s own struggle against South African colonialism and liberation of South Africa from apartheid.
“In exile and on home soil, he led the Ovambo People’s Organisation, the South West Africa People’s Organisation and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia against the seemingly unshakeable might of colonial and apartheid authorities and forces.
“Sam Nujoma inspired the Namibian people to pride and resistance that belied the size of the population. Namibia’s attainment of independence from South Africa in 1990 ignited in us the inevitability of our own liberation.
“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.
“We are grateful for the extended lifetime with which Dr Sam Nujoma was blessed and we are grateful for the manner in which he dedicated the many decades of his life to serving his nation. May his soul rest in peace and may our neighbours find healing in his legacy”, he concluded.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa consoled Namibia following the death of her founding President Dr Sam Nujoma this Saturday.
In a statement, President Mnangagwa said he is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Namibia’s Sam Nujoma, a towering figure of liberation and a champion of African independence, whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.He added that Zimbabwe will always remember and cherish Dr Nujoma’s principled and unconditional support as the nation faced concerted onslaught by vindictive countries of the West following the Land Reform Programme.
The President said Namibia’s founding President took Zimbabwe’s struggle to fulfill the goals of the Liberation Struggle as his own, bequeathing to the region, Africa, values of Pan Africanism and the spirit of total Independence.
Also, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat mourned, saying Sam Nujoma was the epitome of Courage, never wavering from his vision for a free Namibia and united Africa.
Kenyan President, William Ruto in his words described President Nujoma as a selfless, courageous and visionary leader who dedicated his life to the liberation and development of his country.
While Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan honoured the freedom fighter, a Pan- Africanist who inspired generations to stand up for the ideals of freedom, equality and justice.
Sam Nujoma is remembered as a revolutionary icon who fought for the independence of not only Namibia but Southern Africa and the continent at large. He was President of Namibia from 1990 to 2005.
