Thabo Mbeki Honors Sam Nujoma’s Legacy at Memorial Service

Thabo Mbeki commemorated Sam Nujoma at a memorial service in Pretoria, asserting his role as a leader not just for Namibia but for Africa. He called for honoring Nujoma’s legacy by improving lives on the continent and emphasized the ongoing fight against poverty and oppression. Mbeki also reflected on Nujoma’s principled stands against colonial rule and the partnership between liberation movements.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki honored Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, during a memorial service in Pretoria. Mbeki emphasized that Nujoma was a significant leader for both Namibia and the African continent, stating, “Uncle Sam was our leader too and not only for the Namibian people.” He called for Africa to uphold Nujoma’s legacy by committing to improvements for the continent’s people.

Mbeki described Nujoma as a principled leader who stood against colonial oppression and encouraged reflection on the importance of preserving his contributions. He noted, “This region proved stubborn in the colonial era… Nujoma was a part of that stubbornness,” spotlighting the persistence of southern African nations in the struggle for freedom decades after their counterparts.

He remarked on the ongoing challenges faced by Africa, urging current leaders to embrace strength and courage to combat modern adversities. Mbeki reiterated the necessity for unity among African nations, asserting that Swapo and the African National Congress (ANC) have continually collaborated in their shared liberation efforts.

Finally, Mbeki recalled his initial meeting with Nujoma in the 1970s, reflecting on Nujoma’s broader role in the resistance against oppression in southern Africa. He stressed the collective responsibility of living leaders to honor Nujoma’s memory by pursuing social and economic progress for the continent.

The memorial service for Sam Nujoma, as articulated by Thabo Mbeki, underscores the immense contributions of Nujoma to both Namibia and Africa at large. Mbeki’s remarks highlight the importance of recognizing leaders’ legacies and call upon current generations to continue the struggle against poverty and oppression. The partnership between liberation movements like Swapo and ANC further illustrates this commitment to collective progress across the continent.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na