Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah blasted Namibian authorities for their failure to honor the country's liberation heroes before death claims them. His scathing remarks come as the nation plunges into grief following founding president Sam Nujoma's passing.
"We see it everywhere - a hero dies, and suddenly speeches flood in, tributes pour out, and grand gestures appear from nowhere. But during their lives, these same heroes struggle and face neglect, especially those without fame," Kamwanyah declared. "Namibia must recognize and celebrate our liberation fighters during their lifetime."
Kamwanyah demanded immediate action to document these patriots' stories, name important landmarks after them, and include them in national celebrations. "These heroes deserve dignity - proper homes, medical care, and financial assistance. No hero should die penniless and forgotten, yet many have despite their tremendous sacrifices," he fumed.
The political analyst emphasized the forgotten heroes deserve recognition just as much as famous figures. "Women prepared meals for People's Liberation Army fighters, brave citizens hid activists, workers funded the struggle, and countless others suffered under apartheid brutality. Their stories must reach the public, and the nation needs to honor them properly," Kamwanyah insisted.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba admitted the liberation generation faces extinction at Nujoma's memorial service. "We remain few. I count Ben Amathila, I count myself. People count on us. We exist no more," Pohamba lamented. "We will join Sam Nujoma soon. We will go," he predicted ominously.
Pohamba begged citizens to maintain peace as the country moved forward without its founding leaders. His emotional plea followed the devastating loss of two presidents within days - President Hage Geingob died on February 4, 2024, with Nujoma following just four days later on February 8.
Nujoma, who died at 95, stands among the last generation of African liberation giants alongside South Africa's Nelson Mandela, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Zambia's Kenneth Kaunda, and Mozambique's Samora Machel. "Mourn him united as citizens. This message belongs to you," Pohamba urged the grieving nation.
"We see it everywhere - a hero dies, and suddenly speeches flood in, tributes pour out, and grand gestures appear from nowhere. But during their lives, these same heroes struggle and face neglect, especially those without fame," Kamwanyah declared. "Namibia must recognize and celebrate our liberation fighters during their lifetime."
Kamwanyah demanded immediate action to document these patriots' stories, name important landmarks after them, and include them in national celebrations. "These heroes deserve dignity - proper homes, medical care, and financial assistance. No hero should die penniless and forgotten, yet many have despite their tremendous sacrifices," he fumed.
The political analyst emphasized the forgotten heroes deserve recognition just as much as famous figures. "Women prepared meals for People's Liberation Army fighters, brave citizens hid activists, workers funded the struggle, and countless others suffered under apartheid brutality. Their stories must reach the public, and the nation needs to honor them properly," Kamwanyah insisted.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba admitted the liberation generation faces extinction at Nujoma's memorial service. "We remain few. I count Ben Amathila, I count myself. People count on us. We exist no more," Pohamba lamented. "We will join Sam Nujoma soon. We will go," he predicted ominously.
Pohamba begged citizens to maintain peace as the country moved forward without its founding leaders. His emotional plea followed the devastating loss of two presidents within days - President Hage Geingob died on February 4, 2024, with Nujoma following just four days later on February 8.
Nujoma, who died at 95, stands among the last generation of African liberation giants alongside South Africa's Nelson Mandela, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Zambia's Kenneth Kaunda, and Mozambique's Samora Machel. "Mourn him united as citizens. This message belongs to you," Pohamba urged the grieving nation.
