Africa-Press – Namibia. President Nangolo Mbumba credited the late Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, for his vision in addressing inequality, emphasising it is one of the reasons Namibia prioritises gender equality and is set to inaugurate the country’s first female president.
“President Nujoma was a true champion of women’s rights and gender equality. He played a pivotal role during the Liberation Struggle and post-independence in advancing women to positions of higher authority through legislation and the endorsement of key processes, such as the Beijing Platform for Action (1995), into national development plans,” he said.
President Mbumba made these remarks at the official memorial service for the late Founding President at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, highlighting that, beyond leading the country’s liberation struggle, the late Dr Nujoma was also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and accessible education.
He explained that the first Department of Women Affairs was established in the Office of the President under the late Dr Nujoma’s leadership and was headed by the current Vice President and President-elect, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“It is thanks to his vision for gender parity, both in the SWAPO Party and Government, that we have close to a 50/50 gender balance in Parliament and will soon inaugurate Namibia’s first female president,” President Mbumba said.
He added that the late Founding President was passionate about tackling inequality in all its forms, believing that education was the most effective tool for achieving this goal.
“As a result, the highest percentage of Namibia’s national budget since independence has been allocated to education. President Nujoma was a great believer in education as an agent of change to address and reduce structural poverty and inequality,” he continued.
President Mbumba emphasised that the Founding President was deeply committed to Namibia’s liberation struggle and, after attaining independence, dedicated himself to building a Namibia focused on equality, unity, and justice. Thus, he stressed, the late Founding President’s legacy will continue to inspire many, and he expressed gratitude for the late Dr Nujoma’s sacrifices, which will motivate future generations.
“We salute you, President Nujoma. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for leading a successful struggle. Thank you for the gift of freedom. Thank you for the gift of reconciliation. Thank you for showing us how to sacrifice, how to fight, how to never give up, how to forgive, how to love, and how to unite. Thank you for showing us the way towards national development and economic emancipation. Although you are no longer with us physically, your legacy will remain eternal, like the soil and the rain that give birth to the grass, flowers, and trees in the Namib and Kalahari deserts. You exemplified greatness, you made history, and you shaped our destiny. You are the Father of our One Namibia, One Nation—the Father of the past generation, the present generation, and all generations of Namibians to come,” President Mbumba added.
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