Elliot Ziwira, Senior Writer
The passing of Cde Shafiishuna Samuel Nujoma on February 8, 2025, marks the end of an era for Namibia and the African continent.
As Namibia’s first president from 1990 to 2005, Cde Nujoma was a fearless champion of Pan-Africanism and social justice, inspiring generations with his untiring commitment to freedom and equality.
Upon taking office, Cde Nujoma prioritised education, training, and healthcare to address colonial-era injustices. He allocated 40 percent of the national budget to these sectors, leading to significant improvements.
The number of children in school rose from 70 percent in 1989 to 90 percent in the first decade of independence, with the teacher workforce doubling to 26 318. Additionally, 2 452 new classrooms were built between 1990 and 1999.
In the health sector, the number of hospitals increased from 37 to 44, clinics from 198 to 280, and health centres from 324 to 476.
Cde Nujoma’s government also introduced the Build Together Programme in 1992, providing low-interest loans to help low-income groups build homes. By 2000, 5 000 citizens had benefited from this programme.
His vision for Namibia’s future was embodied in the government’s Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to raise the country’s standard of living to that of developed nations by 2030. The iconic freedom fighter’s legacy extends beyond Namibia’s borders, as he played a crucial role in shaping regional history and nurturing African solidarity, particularly in conflicts in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cde Nujoma’s vision for a brighter 2030, not only for Namibians, but for the Southern African Development Community, resonates with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda for Zimbabwe, which aims to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy by the same year.
FROM NAMIBIA TO SADC: Former President Sam Nujoma unveils a plaque of SADC House while former Chief Justice Johan Strydom and the late Speaker of Namibia Dr Mose Tjitendero look on in March 2001. Images: Contributed.
His commitment to social justice and equality is reflected in his prioritisation of education, training, and healthcare, which saw significant investments and improvements during his presidency.
As Zimbabweans celebrate the legacy of the selfless son of the soil, they are reminded of their own contributions to the cause of the Nambian people. During the first week of June 1981, the people of Zimbabwe rallied behind Namibians in their struggle against the forces of imperialism through morale and financial support, testifying to the power of unity and collective action in the face of oppression.
Namibia’s mineral endowments
With a land area of 824 292km², Namibia’s rich mineral resources, including diamonds, copper, zinc, and vanadium, made it a prime target for colonial exploitation.
The country’s strategic location on Africa’s south-west coast, bordering Zambia, Botswana, Angola, and South Africa, further increased its appeal to foreign powers in the wake of the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885.
Born on May 12, 1929 at Etunda, north-western Namibia, Cde Nujoma joined the fight against apartheid laws in the 1950s, forming the Ovamboland People’s Congress in 1957. His resistance efforts led to arrest and a 30-year exile, but he continued to advocate for Namibian independence.
Namibia’s history is marked by colonial brutality, with Germany establishing South West Africa in 1884. The country suffered brutal suppression, including the massacre of the Herero, Nama and Damara people between 1904 and 1908.
South African forces occupied Namibia in 1915. Britain received the country on December 17, 1920, as a mandate of the League of Nations to be exercised by South Africa on its behalf, hence paving the way for the illegal incorporation of the south-western African nation.
Namibian president Sam Nujoma (L) shakes hands with South African president Nelson Mandela at the presidential residence in Pretoria, South Africa, 1 June 1999. Photograph: Jean-Marc Bouju/AP
The South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), led by Cde Nujoma, was formed in 1960 to fight for independence. SWAPO’s armed struggle against South African forces lasted 23 years, driven by the exploitation of Namibia’s resources and people.
Cde Nujoma organised the launching of the armed struggle in August 1966. Following years of armed struggle, he signed a ceasefire agreement with South Africa, leading to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 435 of 1978, beginning the transition to independence under the UN auspices on April 1, 1989.
By the 1970s, Namibia was the fourth-largest mineral producer in Africa, with De Beers controlling 90 percent of its diamond production. Accruing £25 million profit annually, the firm paid £15 million in tax and duties to the South African government at the expense of Namibians. The Tsumeb Corporation, owned by Americans, dominated base metal production, threatening to exhaust the mines and leave Namibia $1 billion poorer (The Herald, June 1, 1981).
Rio Tinto Zinc and Anglo-American Corporation were among other multinational companies mining in Namibia.
As The Herald reported on May 8, 1985, miffed by this state of affairs, Cde Nujoma declared: “When Namibia is free, we will certainly reach an agreement with those multinational corporations which will be beneficial to all of us.”
True to his word, he corrected the imbalances for the greater good when he took office on March 21, 1990.
Zimbabweans, Namibians ‘the same people’
Zimbabweans stood in solidarity with the Namibian people in their fight against colonialism, even after Independence in 1980.
As a beneficiary of support from Frontline States like Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique, Zimbabwe committed to helping Namibia and South Africa gain freedom from colonial rule.
The Zimbabwean Government, led by Prime Minister Mugabe, provided military, moral, and political support to SWAPO, Namibia’s liberation movement. In June 1981, Zimbabwe hosted a Solidarity Week, where Cde Nujoma visited the country to raise awareness and funds for SWAPO.
The event was a huge success, with Zimbabweans attending rallies across the country and donating generously, in the form of livestock, clothing and cash, to the Namibian cause.
Football matches were also played and artistic performances staged, with proceeds going to the liberation movement’s coffer.
The campaign ultimately raised over $250 000, presented to Cde Nujoma by Prime Minister Mugabe in September 1982.
During his visit, Cde Nujoma expressed his gratitude to the Zimbabwean people and Government for their support, saying Zimbabwe’s independence was a morale booster for Namibians fighting for their own freedom.
He also stressed that the struggle for independence was not just about Namibia, but about the entire African continent, and that “from Cape Town to Cairo, free Africa should prevail”.
The solidarity between Zimbabweans and Namibians was evident in the heroic welcome Cde Nujoma received on his visit at Salisbury airport on June 1, 1981—marking the beginning of the Solidarity Week—with thousands of Zimbabweans attending rallies and events in support of the Namibian cause.
The bond between Zimbabwe and Namibia was forged in their shared struggle against colonialism and oppression.
The late Dr Kenneth Kaunda (right) with the late Frelimo leader Samora Machel and Swapo leader Sam Nujoma
Zimbabweans understood the pain of colonial subjugation having fought against Ian Douglas Smith’s regime, and therefore united in support of Namibia’s struggle.
Cde Nujoma told The Sunday Mail in March 1983 that the Western Contact Group, comprising Britain, the United States, France, West Germany, and Canada “cunningly intervened in the decolonisation of Namibia,” declaring that “the barrel of a gun” was the only way.
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He acknowledged the painful legacy of 1884, which inflicted horror and extermination on his people, but he didn’t believe in dwelling on the past. Instead, he focused on creating a new future for Namibia, where every citizen would be treated equally under the law.
Despite the Western Contact Group’s support for South Africa’s occupation, Cde Nujoma turned to the Frontline States, including Zimbabwe, for support. He condemned the forces of imperialism and capitalism for backing South Africa’s racist regime and its oppressive policies. His vision was to “open a new page” in Namibia’s history—one of equality, justice, and freedom.
The situation in Namibia took a turn for the worse when the Ronald Reagan administration in the US encouraged the International Monetary Fund to loan $1 billion to South Africa to fuel its fight against the Namibian people. However, SWAPO refused to back down, believing that the “outcome of the struggle” would be determined by “the will of the people”, not by arms alone. The fiery freedom fighter told The Sunday Mail in February 1983 that he believed very “few people in the world have been worse sinned against than the people of Namibia”.
He was deeply aware of the injustices faced by the Namibian people, who had been denied independence for reasons beyond their control. Despite this, the people of Zimbabwe stood in solidarity with the Namibians, supporting their fight for independence.
During his visit, Cde Nujoma expressed his admiration for Zimbabwe’s progress.
He told thousands of people in Mashonaland Central Province: “Zimbabwe is only one year old as a sovereign state, but you are already providing food to those of us still living under the bondage of colonialism. . . I must say that we are inspired by your revolution and self-reliance”.
He also commended Zimbabwe’s push for cooperative farming and self-reliance, noting that some countries suffer from hunger due to laziness.
Addressing over 7 000 jubilant Zimbabweans at Sakubva Stadium in Umtali (Mutare) on June 5, 1981, Cde Nujoma’s message was clear—despite the West’s support for “racist South Africa”, Namibians would not be cowed.
He maintained: “We in Namibia know that it is not the arms that are a decisive power but the will and determination to fight and overthrow imperialism”.
Speaking to journalists at Great Zimbabwe on June 6, 1981, he acknowledged the significant impact of Zimbabwe’s support on Namibia’s fight for independence. He revealed that South Africa was dismayed by the strong bond between the two nations, feeling that Zimbabwe’s solidarity would embolden the Namibian people to intensify their struggle.
At a rally attended by thousands of Zimbabweans at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo three days earlier, the SWAPO leader drew inspiration from Zimbabwe’s triumph over British imperialism, citing it as a powerful motivator for Namibians.
He vowed that despite the overwhelming military might of their oppressors, and mercenaries, Namibians would remain resolute in their pursuit of independence and self-determination.
“We are determined that from south to north, from west to east, we will liberate the whole of Namibia from this inhumanly oppressive regime. It is our birthright that we should be respected in our own motherland, not be the victims of oppression of man by man”, he declared.
The climax of the visit was marked at a packed Rufaro Stadium on June 7, 1981, when Cde Nujoma and then Prime Minister Mugabe were driven around on the back of a truck to thunderous “power salutes”.
He thanked progressive governments and liberation movements, like ZANU (PF), for supporting SWAPO, envisioning a free Africa, stretching from Cape Town to Cairo.
Moreover, he saluted Cde Mugabe for organising the Namibian Solidarity Week.
Cde Nujoma’s visit culminated in a powerful statement of unity, as he declared: “Zimbabweans and Namibians are the same people. . .We congratulate ZANLA and ZIPRA for having extended the borders of free Africa from the Zambezi to the Limpopo”.
He would later receive the Freedom of the City of Harare on his four-day state visit to Zimbabwe as the first President of independent Namibia in April 1991, solidifying the solidarity between the peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia. He became the sixth leader to be honoured as such, the first being the late national hero and former President Mugabe in 1982.
Others before him were President of Romania Nicolae Ceausescu, President Ibrahim Babangida of Nigeria, President Kamuzu Banda of Malawi, and the then African National Congress Deputy President Nelson Mandela, all late.
On the conflict in Angola, DRC
A devoted Pan-Africanist, Cde Nujoma envisioned an Africa free from imperialistic forces, where all Africans could thrive.
Even before Namibia gained independence, he recognised that the conflict in Angola was fuelled by South Africa and the US’s support of Unita, led by Jonas Savimbi. As reported by The Herald Bureau in London in 1981, he strongly condemned the US’s actions, calling it a “criminal offence” to arm and support rebels against a legitimate government.
He maintained this stance throughout his presidency, emphasising the need to crush “imperial forces” instigating civil wars.
At an Africa Day Rally in Oshana, Namibia, attended by the late Cde Mugabe in 2000, he declared that Namibia would take action against Savimbi’s forces, which were extending their violent reach into Namibia. His goal was to restore peace and development in Angola and across Africa, ensuring that the continent is ruled by Africans themselves, free from colonial forces.
Cde Nujoma’s commitment to African unity and self-determination was firm. He saw Namibia’s role in regional conflicts as a necessary step towards achieving a free and prosperous Africa.
“We want to see Africa ruled by Africans themselves and not by colonial forces,” he insisted.
He warned Savimbi, who was “now extending the killing and maiming” of Angolans to Namibians, that he was courting the wrath of the Namibian forces on Angolan soil.
“We will do that and crush Savimbi completely, so that peace prevails in Angola. We will not only go into Angola but elsewhere in Africa. . . We are in the Congo to ensure the restoration of peace and development. We will not leave the Congo until genuine peace is secured” (The Herald, May 27, 2000).
Namibia, Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe provided 7 000 troops for peacekeeping operations in Angola at the behest of the UN.
Speaking at a Press conference after the Southern African Development Community Allied Forces mini-summit in Windhoek, Namibia, on October 9, 2000, Cde Nujoma, issued a stern warning.
He stated that any attempts by Uganda-backed rebel troops, led by Jean Pierre Bemba, to attack the Mbandaka town of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and overthrow President Laurent Kabila’s government would be met with fierce resistance. The allied forces, Cde Nujoma accentuated, were prepared for full-scale military engagement.
“We reviewed the current political and military situation and the continued ceasefire violations by the Uganda-backed Bemba group in the Equatorial province of the DRC.
“The rebels are threatening to attack Mbandaka and declare a government of the Congo. Any such attempt will be met with vigorous and fierce resistance from the allied forces. We will not allow Mbandaka to fall,” he vowed.
Indeed, Mbandaka did not fall!
His statement followed a three-hour closed-door meeting with fellow leaders, including Cde Mugabe and Angolan President Eduardo dos Santos. During the meeting, they reviewed the dire situation in the DRC, where rebels, backed by Uganda and Rwanda, continued to violate ceasefires and threaten regional stability (The Herald October 10, 2000).
An enthusiastic peacemaker, Cde Nujoma believed in the United Nations, despite reservations from other quarters.
“First, we want a UN peacekeeping force to create a climate of peace, and when that is created. . .we hope the UN will help a fair and genuine democratic process to take place,” he told journalists after meeting UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping, Bernard Miyet, in Windhoek, Namibian, in March 2000.
Ironically, the iconic freedom fighter departs when the conflict in the DRC, featuring the same old foes in new guises, is yet to be resolved, although SADC, under the chairmanship of President Mnangagwa has made inroads into resolving the issue.
Nonetheless, even as he rests, Cde Nujoma, the selfless Pan-Africanist, and Founding Father of the Namibian Nation will be remembered for his inspirational legacy of determination, self-reliance, and solidarity in the fight against colonialism and imperialism, as a brighter 2030 beckons.
