Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first president and a key figure in the country’s struggle for independence, passed away at the age of 95. The Namibian presidency confirmed the news on Facebook.
Nujoma had been hospitalised for three weeks, battling an illness that he could not overcome. Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced the death on 9th February 2025 with great sadness. He said, “It is with heavy hearts that I share the passing of our freedom fighter and revolutionary leader with the people of Namibia, our African brothers and sisters, and the world.”
Mbumba continued, “Sam Nujoma led a long and meaningful life, consistently serving his beloved country with dedication.”
Nujoma was born into a poor family from the Ovambo tribe, where he was the eldest of ten children. In 1949, he worked as a railway sweeper while attending night classes, which sparked his political awareness.
In the late 1950s, Nujoma joined workers in Windhoek who were resisting a government order to move to a new township. As a result, his activism forced him into exile in 1960. That same year, he became the leader of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which led the liberation struggle.
When Namibia gained independence in 1990, Nujoma became the nation’s first president. He served in this role until 2005, shaping the future of the country.
President Mbumba reflected, “Nujoma inspired us all to rise and reclaim the land of our ancestors.”
