Fourteen-year-old Natangwe Shivanda joined thousands who gathered along streets across the country in recent days to say goodbye to founding president Sam Nujoma. Despite being born after Nujoma delivered his first address as leader of independent Namibia, young Shivanda learned liberation songs from his grandmother, who shared stories about war and victory. His grandmother taught him many things about what Nujoma accomplished for their nation, instilling an appreciation for historical leadership through oral tradition.
The military transported Nujoma's remains to seven different regions, including Omusati, Oshana, Erongo, Kavango East, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, and //Kharas, before returning to the Khomas region yesterday. Throughout this journey, Namibian defense forces and police accompanied their former commander-in-chief for his final tour. His casket, covered with the national flag, traveled past crowds holding similar flags along roadsides throughout the memorial procession. Nujoma passed away on February 8 following health complications at age 95.
The farewell journey began with tearful scenes at his Windhoek residence but transformed into songs and celebrations when reaching his hometown, Etunda. Hundreds gathered at Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport singing "Tu na tuu emonathano" meaning "we will certainly meet again" as personnel unloaded the casket. People arrived at Omusati region airport by 6:00 AM eager to participate. During the 200-kilometer two-hour drive to Etunda village, thousands lined roads bidding farewell to the liberation icon.
Soldiers positioned themselves every few meters, protecting the casket during transport. Upon arriving at Nujoma's village around 4:00 PM, numerous speakers described him as unwavering in his convictions. After formal ceremonies concluded, people formed lines singing traditional Oshiwambo hymns, waiting to view his body until the early morning hours. The next day, his remains traveled to the Eenhana sports field accompanied by religious songs and liberation anthems. The field became completely silent when military personnel brought the casket to the podium.
Utoni Nujoma, eldest son of the former president, revealed during memorial services how his father's health deteriorated over the past year despite medical interventions. He expressed that recent months had been extremely difficult for family members watching their patriarch decline. Heavy rainfall across the Kavango East region failed to discourage hundreds from standing along the B1 highway Saturday to witness the procession. Resident Alvina Endunde considered it an honor to pay respects and emphasized younger generations must maintain his legacy.
The Zambezi region represented another meaningful stop during the memorial journey. Nujoma oversaw government response to the Caprivi conflict in August 1999, establishing emergency measures during that period. Students from the Caprivi Senior Secondary School choir performed as the casket arrived Sunday. Spectators continued singing liberation songs, capturing historic moments on mobile phones. Regional governor Lawrence Sampofu highlighted how Nujoma united fragmented populations into a cohesive nation ready for a prolonged struggle.
Walvis Bay became the penultimate stop on Tuesday, significant because Nujoma moved there in 1946, staying with his aunt Gebhart Nandjule. Despite the aircraft landing ninety minutes ahead of schedule at 9:30 AM, many residents had already positioned themselves along processional routes. Four alarm signals announced his arrival, prompting citizens to sing and shout his name, expressing gratitude for freedom. Erongo governor Neville Andre noted Walvis Bay represented where dreams of Namibian independence first developed.
The founding leader's remains arrived at Keetmanshoop at 10:00 AM Wednesday, greeted by acting chief mourner John Mutorwa. Thousands of mourners expressed appreciation for Nujoma's role in defeating foreign occupation. Mutorwa praised not just liberation efforts but subsequent economic development initiatives, noting Nujoma recognized freedom required economic advancement. Windhoek residents later formed lengthy queues along B6 road from Hosea Kutako International Airport Thursday morning, spanning affluent neighborhoods and informal settlements alike.
People lined Sam Nujoma Drive holding Namibian flags and portraits, singing or standing silently as the procession moved through city streets, stopping at Parliament Gardens. There, his body remained overnight before the final ceremonies. Resident Ester Amia remembered watching a television documentary where Nujoma explained his middle name, Shafiishuna, meant "dangerous," accompanied by his characteristic broad smile. His funeral proceeds today at Heroes' Acre with numerous international dignitaries expected to attend the service honoring his historical contributions.
The military transported Nujoma's remains to seven different regions, including Omusati, Oshana, Erongo, Kavango East, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, and //Kharas, before returning to the Khomas region yesterday. Throughout this journey, Namibian defense forces and police accompanied their former commander-in-chief for his final tour. His casket, covered with the national flag, traveled past crowds holding similar flags along roadsides throughout the memorial procession. Nujoma passed away on February 8 following health complications at age 95.
The farewell journey began with tearful scenes at his Windhoek residence but transformed into songs and celebrations when reaching his hometown, Etunda. Hundreds gathered at Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport singing "Tu na tuu emonathano" meaning "we will certainly meet again" as personnel unloaded the casket. People arrived at Omusati region airport by 6:00 AM eager to participate. During the 200-kilometer two-hour drive to Etunda village, thousands lined roads bidding farewell to the liberation icon.
Soldiers positioned themselves every few meters, protecting the casket during transport. Upon arriving at Nujoma's village around 4:00 PM, numerous speakers described him as unwavering in his convictions. After formal ceremonies concluded, people formed lines singing traditional Oshiwambo hymns, waiting to view his body until the early morning hours. The next day, his remains traveled to the Eenhana sports field accompanied by religious songs and liberation anthems. The field became completely silent when military personnel brought the casket to the podium.
Utoni Nujoma, eldest son of the former president, revealed during memorial services how his father's health deteriorated over the past year despite medical interventions. He expressed that recent months had been extremely difficult for family members watching their patriarch decline. Heavy rainfall across the Kavango East region failed to discourage hundreds from standing along the B1 highway Saturday to witness the procession. Resident Alvina Endunde considered it an honor to pay respects and emphasized younger generations must maintain his legacy.
The Zambezi region represented another meaningful stop during the memorial journey. Nujoma oversaw government response to the Caprivi conflict in August 1999, establishing emergency measures during that period. Students from the Caprivi Senior Secondary School choir performed as the casket arrived Sunday. Spectators continued singing liberation songs, capturing historic moments on mobile phones. Regional governor Lawrence Sampofu highlighted how Nujoma united fragmented populations into a cohesive nation ready for a prolonged struggle.
Walvis Bay became the penultimate stop on Tuesday, significant because Nujoma moved there in 1946, staying with his aunt Gebhart Nandjule. Despite the aircraft landing ninety minutes ahead of schedule at 9:30 AM, many residents had already positioned themselves along processional routes. Four alarm signals announced his arrival, prompting citizens to sing and shout his name, expressing gratitude for freedom. Erongo governor Neville Andre noted Walvis Bay represented where dreams of Namibian independence first developed.
The founding leader's remains arrived at Keetmanshoop at 10:00 AM Wednesday, greeted by acting chief mourner John Mutorwa. Thousands of mourners expressed appreciation for Nujoma's role in defeating foreign occupation. Mutorwa praised not just liberation efforts but subsequent economic development initiatives, noting Nujoma recognized freedom required economic advancement. Windhoek residents later formed lengthy queues along B6 road from Hosea Kutako International Airport Thursday morning, spanning affluent neighborhoods and informal settlements alike.
People lined Sam Nujoma Drive holding Namibian flags and portraits, singing or standing silently as the procession moved through city streets, stopping at Parliament Gardens. There, his body remained overnight before the final ceremonies. Resident Ester Amia remembered watching a television documentary where Nujoma explained his middle name, Shafiishuna, meant "dangerous," accompanied by his characteristic broad smile. His funeral proceeds today at Heroes' Acre with numerous international dignitaries expected to attend the service honoring his historical contributions.
