Allexer Namundjembo
Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba has reflected on his final visit with the late founding father, Sam Nujoma, saying he was not shocked when news of Nujoma’s passing broke.
Speaking to NBC TV news on Tuesday, Pohamba shared that during his visit to Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek last month, he found Nujoma in critical condition.
“Last month, I travelled to Windhoek, and upon arrival, I learnt that my colleague, friend, and comrade had been admitted to the hospital. I went to visit him and found him seriously ill,” Pohamba revealed.
He added that although he was able to visit Nujoma, he was unable to speak with him due to the severity of his condition.
“He was unable to talk. I must thank the health minister, Kalumbi Shangula, for keeping me informed about my comrade’s condition. When I left the hospital, I couldn’t help but wonder whether Comrade Nujoma would ever wake up and speak to me again, as we had always done,” Pohamba said.
After leaving Windhoek, Pohamba said he was ready for any situation.
“In fact, I knew that my colleague had fought for his life for many days, which is very rare,” he explained.
The former president also shared that he received the news of Nujoma’s passing late at night.
“The Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, informed me of the news, and I was not shocked given the condition in which I had seen Nujoma,” Pohamba said.
Pohamba was unable to travel to Windhoek yesterday because he was still grieving the loss of his sister.
Former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba also paid tribute to Nujoma’s contributions, highlighting his role in shaping Namibia’s present-day success.
She stressed his commitment to development, education, and healthcare, urging the nation to continue building on his vision.
“He left at the right time. We must honour him and preserve his legacy. His strong desire for an educated youth should remain a priority,” Pohamba stated.
She urged young Namibians to take education seriously, noting that it was one of Nujoma’s lifelong priorities.
“The youth must prioritise education to contribute to the country’s growth,” she added.
Pohamba and Nujoma first met in 1960 in Dar es Salaam during the early years of Namibia’s liberation struggle.
Both were active members of the South-West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which fought against South African apartheid rule.
As SWAPO’s founding president, Nujoma led efforts to secure international recognition and support for Namibia’s independence.
Pohamba, involved in both the political and military wings of SWAPO, played a key role in its operations.
Over the years, they developed a close alliance, working together to rally support both within Namibia and abroad.
After Namibia gained independence in 1990, Nujoma became the country’s first president, while Pohamba served in key government roles, including ministerial positions.
Following Nujoma’s presidency, Pohamba succeeded him as both Namibia’s head of state and as SWAPO president.
With Nujoma’s passing, Pohamba remains one of the last direct links to Namibia’s independence struggle, carrying forward the memories of their shared mission to free the nation.
