President HH Pays Tribute to the Late President Nujoma

Yesterday afternoon, President Hakainde Hichilema visited the Namibian High Commission in Lusaka to sign the book of condolences in tribute to the late Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, Namibia's founding father and first President. Nujoma died at the age of 95 in Windhoek.

Nujoma led the long fight for independence from South Africa in 1990 after helping found Namibia's liberation movement, the South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo), in the 1960s. After independence, Nujoma became president in 1990 and led the country until 2005.

Nujoma had been hospitalised over the past three weeks with an illness from which he "could not recover", Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba said in a statement announcing the death with "utmost sorrow and sadness".

President Hichilema posted on Facebook to express his condolences on behalf of the Zambian people and government “on the passing of this African icon.”

“Dr. Nujoma's passing marks the end of an era for the region’s founding fathers… As a champion of the liberation struggle, Dr. Nujoma's legacy will forever be etched in history, inspiring future generations to strive for freedom, justice, and equality,” continued the President.