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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 27006, member: 2262"] Namibians gathered by the thousands near Windhoek last Saturday to honor founding president Sam Nujoma. He died at age 95 in a private hospital last month after three weeks of medical care. Leaders from across southern Africa joined everyday citizens at the Heroes Acre national memorial. They paid respects to the man who led Namibia to freedom from South African control thirty-five years ago. Crowds began arriving at six that morning, making their way on foot and by car to reach the ceremony location. The people came to say farewell to the leader who brought independence to their nation. President Nangolo Mbumba spoke highly of Nujoma, describing him as a giant who stood strong during their 24-year armed struggle against South African rule. Mbumba told the crowd they could find peace knowing Nujoma would rest among fellow heroes who fought for freedom. The president added that Nujoma finished his mission with distinction and gave Namibians the precious gift of independence. Many important figures attended, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Angola's President João Lourenco. Former presidents Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique stood among those honoring the respected statesman who changed their region forever. Nujoma first led the South West Africa People's Organization during the independence movement before serving three terms as president. His niece Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, herself a former cabinet minister, spoke about his achievements. She explained how he united citizens divided by ethnic languages and created policies of national reconciliation after years of conflict that had turned Namibians against each other. Public servant Chrispin Kapalu joined thousands singing and dancing under the hot Namibian sun. Many performed revolutionary songs with lyrics asking Nujoma to "raise the flag" of their nation. Kapalu shared how his generation grew up hearing different stories about Nujoma, but after independence, they witnessed firsthand why their ancestors sacrificed their lives. The gathering celebrated a leader whose name became synonymous with Namibian freedom through decades of dedicated struggle. [/QUOTE]

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