WINDHOEK, Namibia — Sam Nujoma, the iconic leader who played a pivotal role in Namibia’s struggle for freedom from apartheid South Africa, died on February 8, 2025, at the age of 95. His passing was announced by current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, who described the loss as a shaking of the foundations of Namibia. Over the past three weeks, Nujoma had been hospitalized for a severe illness.

The presidency issued a heartfelt statement mourning Nujoma, stating, “Our venerable leader could not recover from his illness. The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken.” Known affectionately as the “Founding Father of the Namibian Nation,” Nujoma spent nearly 30 years in exile as the head of the independence movement before becoming Namibia’s first democratically elected president in 1990.

Regarded as a father figure, Nujoma led Namibia through its transition from a colony under German rule to an independent state post the brutal apartheid regime. His leadership has been credited with initiating national healing and reconciliation in the wake of the deep divisions caused by past injustices as well as South Africa’s policy of ethnically segregated governance.

Nujoma’s accomplishments included the establishment of democratic institutions and the crafting of a Constitution, an achievement acknowledged, even by some opposition figures, thus marking him as a complex yet deeply influential figure in Namibia’s history. His tenure, which lasted until 2005, witnessed the unification of a nation that had suffered from decades of colonial and racial strife. Many remember him for saying, “A united people, striving to achieve a common good for all members of society, will always emerge victorious.”

Despite his contributions, Nujoma often attracted criticism for his anti-Western rhetoric and his outspoken opposition to homosexuality, which he described as a ‘foreign and corrupt ideology.’ He also claimed that AIDS was a man-made disease, stirring controversy both domestically and internationally.

In his early years, Nujoma was born to poor farmers in 1929 and faced numerous challenges, including a lack of formal education. His political journey began in the late 1950s, leading him to establish the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1960. After a lengthy struggle for liberation marked by guerrilla warfare, Namibia finally gained independence in 1990, a victory Nujoma dedicated his life to achieving.

Throughout his life, Nujoma maintained relationships with various nations, receiving support from countries like Cuba and China during the liberation struggle while also making efforts to engage with Western leaders. Notably, he was welcomed by former U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1993, who hailed him as “the George Washington of his country.”

Even after retiring from public office, Nujoma continued to wield influence within SWAPO until stepping down in 2007 after nearly half a century of leadership.

As Namibia processes the loss of its founding father, many will reflect on Nujoma’s legacy, a blend of liberation triumphs and complex social policies that shaped the nation’s identity. His dedication to advancing women’s rights in a predominantly patriarchal society and his strong advocacy for national unity have left an indelible mark on the people of Namibia.

For more on Sam Nujoma's legacy, read the full articles from the Reuters, BBC, and New York Times.