Sunningdale Constituency legislator Maureen Kademaunga has called on the government to declare a national day of mourning in honour of Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president and a towering figure in Africa’s liberation struggle.
Speaking in Parliament, Kademaunga described Nujoma’s passing as the end of an era, marking the loss of the last of the Frontline States leaders who stood in solidarity against colonial rule and apartheid.
“President Sam Nujoma was a titan of Pan-Africanism and a champion of Africa’s liberation. His unwavering support for Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence will forever be etched in our nation’s history,” Kademaunga told Parliament
Nujoma, who led Namibia’s fight for independence as the head of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), played a crucial role in promoting African solidarity, drawing inspiration from leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba, and Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser.
She highlighted Nujoma’s deep connections to Zimbabwe’s liberation, recalling his presence at the country’s independence celebrations at Rufaro Stadium in 1980.
“Even as he continued to battle for Namibia’s freedom back home, he stood in solidarity with us,” she said.
The following year, in June 1981, Nujoma returned to Zimbabwe for Namibia Solidarity Week, a campaign aimed at denouncing apartheid rule in Windhoek.
His participation in mass rallies underscored the bonds between the two nations, reinforcing the ideals of Pan-African unity.
Beyond Zimbabwe, Kademaunga praised Nujoma’s contributions to regional integration, particularly his role in the formation of the African Union and his efforts within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
She also noted his international recognition, citing accolades such as the Lenin Peace Prize, the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, and the Ho Chi Minh Peace Prize.
In her address, Kademaunga urged the government to formally recognize Nujoma’s legacy.
“I propose that this august House impresses upon the Executive to declare a day of national mourning in Zimbabwe to honor the life and legacy of Sam Nujoma,” she said.
Her sentiments were met with agreement from fellow lawmakers, and Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda responded affirmatively.
“Good ideas have no boundaries,” he remarked, directing the Government Chief Whip to relay the proposal to the relevant authorities.
In a moment of solemn respect, all members of Parliament observed a minute of silence in Nujoma’s honor.
