Africa-Press – Namibia. Many nations have witnessed the legacy of extraordinary and influential leaders, who have etched their names in the annals of history through their innate ability to unite, galvanise and inspire humanity.
The late Founding President Sam Nujoma was such a leader.
These were the remarks of former president Nangolo Mbumba in his keynote speech at launch of a pictorial book in honour of Nujoma.
He added that Nujoma had an extraordinary personality with a formidable presence and an ability to exercise great influence and inspirational leadership.
Last year, New Era made a move to honour and maintain the lasting legacy of Namibia’s Founding President with a homage in the form of a picture book.
The book details his life and times, spanning decades of commitment, leadership and nation-building.
The idea was largely supported and planned in partnership with the Sam Nujoma Foundation and Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun.
“I must state categorically that the project is paying for itself. New Era has offered to share the proceeds with the Sam Nujoma Foundation. We believe in the dream of the Foundation that was established in 2005 as a non-profit organisation with the main purpose of acting as a vehicle that promotes and sustains the vision, ideals and goals of our Founding President’s work upon his retirement from public office,” said New Era board chairperson John Sifani.
He said the foundation has been working to ensure it complements the Namibian government’s efforts to close the inequality gap experienced today by the Namibian nation.
Sifani noted that Nujoma wanted all children to attend school from kindergarten through primary and secondary school up to university level to propel Namibia and the African continent to greater heights. “It is against that background that we hope to boost efforts to fund the projects of the foundation so that it can fulfil the mandate and objectives to become a dominant player within the Namibian society,” he stated.
Namundjebo-Tilahun said she readily accepted the management of New Era’s proposal to collaborate on the publication of a picture book in honour of the Founding Fathers’ life and contributions when she was approached early last year.
“Straightaway, I knew that the initiative was genuine. I wanted to celebrate a life well lived and a life that was dedicated to the Namibian nation. Tatekulu was a true pathfinder, who defined Namibia’s destiny from his childhood days until when he gave his last breath on the fateful 8 February of this year,” said the politician.
She said the pictorial book is in recognition of his outstanding work, selfless sacrifices, unwavering commitment and service to humanity.
Former labour minister Utoni Nujoma said the family has been proud to witness various initiatives and activities carried out since the passing of Nujoma to maintain his legacy and pay homage.
“The pictorial book will not only provide information to the present generation but will also be used for the future generation – the children, who will be the future. They need these types of books so that they can contextualise opportunities and challenges that they will come across in the country,” he pointed out.
Utoni was happy that the pictorial book vividly illustrates the life of his father, reflecting his life in exile and post-independence.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
