Officials and dignitaries from neighboring African nations came together for the burial ceremony of Sam Nujoma, the first president of Namibia. The funeral took place at Heroes' Acre in Windhoek on Saturday. The celebrated freedom fighter received full honors during the service, which was attended by numerous heads of state from across the region.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the proceedings Saturday morning to pay respects. Leaders from Zimbabwe and Angola, Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and João Lourenço, respectively, participated in both the funeral and previous memorial events held at Independence Stadium. During Friday's memorial service, Mnangagwa, who currently chairs the Southern African Development Community, expressed that Nujoma's passing represents a major loss extending beyond Namibian borders to affect the entire southern African region.
Lourenço paid tribute by describing Nujoma as a model leader who fought for his people's rights. He referred to the late statesman as a prominent figure in modern African history who symbolized the determined struggle for liberation throughout southern Africa. Additional regional leadership was present including Prime Ministers Ntsokoane Matekane from Lesotho and Russell Dlamini representing Eswatini at the ceremony.
Several former heads of state attended the funeral, including Ian Khama of Botswana, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Joseph Kabila from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Joaquim Chissano, who previously led Mozambique. Vice presidents represented Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania at the service. Finland's former president, Tarja Halonen, traveled to participate as hundreds gathered to witness the historic farewell.
Grace Mugabe, former first lady of Zimbabwe, shared memories about the friendship between her late husband, Robert Mugabe, and Nujoma. She recalled their frequent meetings before Namibian independence when Nujoma visited to discuss his vision for his homeland. Nujoma stood as the final revolutionary leader who successfully guided his nation to independence in the southern African region. He also held the distinction of being the last surviving founding member of the Organisation of African Unity, established in 1963, which later evolved into the African Union.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the proceedings Saturday morning to pay respects. Leaders from Zimbabwe and Angola, Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and João Lourenço, respectively, participated in both the funeral and previous memorial events held at Independence Stadium. During Friday's memorial service, Mnangagwa, who currently chairs the Southern African Development Community, expressed that Nujoma's passing represents a major loss extending beyond Namibian borders to affect the entire southern African region.
Lourenço paid tribute by describing Nujoma as a model leader who fought for his people's rights. He referred to the late statesman as a prominent figure in modern African history who symbolized the determined struggle for liberation throughout southern Africa. Additional regional leadership was present including Prime Ministers Ntsokoane Matekane from Lesotho and Russell Dlamini representing Eswatini at the ceremony.
Several former heads of state attended the funeral, including Ian Khama of Botswana, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Joseph Kabila from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Joaquim Chissano, who previously led Mozambique. Vice presidents represented Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania at the service. Finland's former president, Tarja Halonen, traveled to participate as hundreds gathered to witness the historic farewell.
Grace Mugabe, former first lady of Zimbabwe, shared memories about the friendship between her late husband, Robert Mugabe, and Nujoma. She recalled their frequent meetings before Namibian independence when Nujoma visited to discuss his vision for his homeland. Nujoma stood as the final revolutionary leader who successfully guided his nation to independence in the southern African region. He also held the distinction of being the last surviving founding member of the Organisation of African Unity, established in 1963, which later evolved into the African Union.
