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Friday, 21 August 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Sam Nujoma

Also known as: founding president Sam Nujoma · father of the Namibian nation · founding president Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma · founding president Nujoma · Dr Sam Shafishuna Nujoma · Dr. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma · former president Sam Nujoma · first president of Namibia · founding father Nujoma · tatekulu Nujoma · Our founding father Nujoma · late H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma · Tatekulu Sam Nujoma · His Excellency Tatekulu Sam Nujoma · the late Sam Nujoma · Founding Father Sam Nujoma · founding president of Namibia · the first president of Namibia · late founding president Sam Nujoma · The eldest son of late founding president Sam Nujoma · late Nujoma · Dr. Nujoma · the late, great Sam Nujoma · comrade Sam Nujoma · tate Sam Nujoma · the late founding president Sam Nujoma · Sam Safiishuna Nujoma · Former president Nujoma · the late Namibian founding president · founding father and former president Sam Nujoma · our founding president, Sam Nujoma · His Excellency Dr. Sam Nujoma · Founding President · Founding President Dr Sam Nujoma · Our Founding President · former president

Founding President of Namibia whose independence legacy and Pan-African vision continue to guide the nation decades after his 1990 liberation leadership.

2018-05-032026-08-21
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. August 2025

  2. The Namibian

    Founding president Sam Nujoma is credited with utopian blueprint Vision 2030

    Source

    “This utopian blueprint of founding president Sam Nujoma is as far away from current socio-economic realities as Mars is from Earth.”

    NNN and NDP6: A Reality Check
  3. May 2025

  4. The Namibian

    Former president Sam Nujoma is the visionary behind the yearly celebration and its esteemed patron

    Source

    “The president also paid tribute to former president Sam Nujoma, the visionary behind the yearly celebration and its esteemed patron.”

    Omaongo Festival: Honouring Heritage, Embracing Unity
  5. April 2025

  6. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma would have said if asked that Namibia liberated itself and could liberate Vatican City

    Source

    “As the late founding president Sam Nujoma would have said if ever asked: "We are ready. We liberated Namibia from the boers and we can liberate the Vatican City."”

    The Vatican Needs a Namibian Pope– Finish-en-Klaar
  7. March 2025

  8. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma commissioned an inquiry in the Zambezi region that investigated and ended the tension between the Mafwe and Masubia in May 1993

    Source

    “He commissioned an inquiry in the Zambezi region that investigated and ended the tension between the Mafwe and Masubia in May 1993 through the Katima Declaration of National Reconciliation.”

    Nujoma Saved us From Rebels

  9. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma sent the Namibian Defence Force to counter the insurgency of secessionist rebels in 1999 in the Zambezi region

    Source

    “Most importantly, he safeguarded the territorial integrity of the state by sending the Namibian Defence Force to counter the insurgency of secessionist rebels in 1999 in the Zambezi region.”

    Nujoma Saved us From Rebels

  10. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma was founding president of Namibia

    Source

    “I am compelled to write in response to the excessive amount of N$30 million spent on the funeral of our founding president, a figure that strikes me as both unnecessary and profoundly out of touch with the realities facing our country.”

    N$30 Million for a Funeral Amid Hardship

  11. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma died in Windhoek on 8 February

    Source

    “Nujoma died in Windhoek on 8 February.”

    Govt spends N$30 million on flying Nujoma across Namibia

  12. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma was buried at Heroes' Acre in Windhoek on Saturday

    Source

    “Following founding president Sam Nujoma's burial at Heroes' Acre in Windhoek on Saturday, top government officials, including president Nangolo Mbumba, and heads of state from the SADC region laid wreaths at his gravesite to pay their last respects.”

    Sam Nujoma's Funeral in Images
  13. February 2025

  14. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma was the founding president of Namibia

    Source

    “It is with profound respect and deep sorrow that we bid farewell to Sam Nujoma, the founding president of Namibia.”

    The Lion of Namibia’s Roar Will Echo Eternally

  15. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma died on 8 February at age 95

    Source

    “Nujoma, who died on 8 February at the age of 95, was the architect of Namibia's liberation and a leader known for his humility, kindness and steadfast commitment to those around him.”

    Nujoma taught us how to iron clothes and set the table – family household staff
Politics

President urges economic independence as next independence goal

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has challenged the current generation to convert Namibia's political freedom into economic independence, saying today's leaders must create opportunities for young people and reduce inequality to ensure independence gains are felt in daily Namibian lives. She made the call in a message marking former president Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba's 91st birthday, noting that his generation secured political freedom while the current generation bears responsibility for advancing economic independence.

19 August 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. President urges economic independence as next independence goal

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has challenged the current generation to convert Namibia's political freedom into economic independence, saying today's leaders must create opportunities for young people and reduce inequality to ensure independence gains are felt in daily Namibian lives. She made the call in a message marking former president Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba's 91st birthday, noting that his generation secured political freedom while the current generation bears responsibility for advancing economic independence.

    19 August 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 16 August

  1. Editorial: Namibia needs clear seabed phosphate mining policy

    The Namibian editorial commends President Nandi-Ndaitwah for opposing seabed phosphate mining but criticizes the lack of clear policy, after environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted Namibian Marine Phosphate an environmental clearance certificate despite more than a decade of unresolved controversy.

    16 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 14 August

  1. Namibian PM honours Castro, reaffirms Cuba solidarity

    Prime Minister Tjitunga Ngurare, speaking at a colloquium marking Fidel Castro's centenary, delivered a statement from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasizing Namibia's historical ties to Cuba and its recent support for ending the economic blockade, noting that Namibia was among 136 nations that called for the blockade's end.

    14 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 13 August

  1. OATF and Olufuko Festival set for concurrent August events

    The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair will run 21–29 August under the theme "A Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economy," while the Olufuko Cultural Festival takes place 24 August to 1 September in Outapi under "Our Culture, Our Pride, Our Heritage." The two flagship Northern events will run almost concurrently this year, with Olufuko dates moved up to align with the school calendar.

    13 August 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 10 August

  1. Chief Munjuku II Nguvauva Military Base unveiled at Gobabis

    The government unveiled the Chief Munjuku II Nguvauva Military Base in Gobabis, renaming the 126 Battalion in honour of the late Ovambanderu chief for his role during the colonial period and in Namibia's independence struggle.

    10 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 6 July

  1. Okahandja and Maqiao revive sister-city partnership

    Okahandja and Maqiao town in Shanghai, China have revived their 1998 sister-city partnership, expanding cooperation to include road infrastructure, sanitation, waste management, and agriculture. Okahandja's leadership cited the need for upgrades to the town's sewerage system and road infrastructure to improve residents' living conditions.

    6 July 2026 · New Era →

Monday 29 June

  1. Fisheries minister raises bycatch penalty levy to 50%

    Namibia's agriculture minister has implemented a Cabinet decision to increase the penalty levy on bycatch from 15% to 50%, citing alarming increases in bycatch volumes and threats to marine biodiversity. The ministry convened stakeholder consultations in response to some fisheries recording increases of more than 200% in bycatch over the past decades.

    29 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 26 June

  1. President meets fishing leaders on sector challenges and sustainability

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations to discuss the fishing sector's future, emphasizing that Namibia cannot remain a leading fish-producing nation while citizens struggle to buy fish and that sustainable management of marine resources must remain a priority. The industry warned that growing policy uncertainty is beginning to undermine investor confidence and threaten long-term sustainability.

    26 June 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 25 June

  1. President meets fishing industry on sustainability challenges

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah met with the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations to discuss sustainability, sector challenges, and economic contribution to job creation and foreign exchange earnings. The CNFA raised concerns over policy contradictions and regulatory uncertainties, and highlighted declining fish stocks as a threat to the industry's future.

    25 June 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 18 June

  1. Namibia raises Ovaherero and Nama genocide at UN-linked conference

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah travelled to Ghana to present the Ovaherero and Nama genocide at a High-Level Consultative Conference on slavery and colonial injustices, where Namibia advocated for a comprehensive framework to address colonial dispossession and genocide committed between 1904 and 1908.

    18 June 2026 · New Era →

Monday 15 June

  1. Namibian editorial urges celebration of national achievements

    A Windhoek Observer opinion piece argues that Namibian public discourse focuses too heavily on criticism and negativity, and calls for recognition of accomplishments such as Nasan Energies Namibia's contributions to petroleum product supply security, framing such successes as victories for the nation rather than individual companies.

    15 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 11 June

  1. Andimba Ya Toivo's legacy warns against tribalism in Namibia

    An opinion piece reflects on Andimba Herman Toivo ya Toivo's warnings against tribalism, arguing that while Namibia's public discourse focuses on economic growth and investment, the country must also confront growing tribalism, poverty, and inequality that are neglected from national discourse.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 8 June

  1. Sam Nujoma's independence message guides Africa's future responsibilities

    More than three decades after Namibia's independence in 1990, Founding Father Sam Nujoma's call for responsibility, unity, and self-determination continues to resonate as a lesson for Africa's future. The article examines how Nujoma's declaration that "the destiny of this country is now fully in our own hands" challenged the nation and continent to embrace the responsibilities accompanying self-determination and nation-building.

    8 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 1 June

  1. Sam Nujoma Foundation finalises new office opening in Windhoek

    The Sam Nujoma Foundation is completing final arrangements for its new office building in Windhoek to support its work of preserving and promoting the legacy of Namibia's first president. The foundation, established in 2004 and officially registered as a non-profit in 2005, aims to promote Nujoma's vision, ideals and contributions to the country's development.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 31 May

  1. President absent from Genocide Remembrance Day events

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah did not attend Genocide Remembrance Day events held at Shark Island and in six regions, drawing criticism from political and community leaders, though the vice president attended events in Ohangwena. The president's absence came despite an active public schedule that included attending agricultural and cultural festivals and other state events.

    31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Chinese embassy, New Era donate 400 Nujoma books

    The Chinese Embassy in Namibia and New Era Publication Corporation donated 400 pictorial coffee table books valued at N$200,000 to the Ministry of Education to honour the legacy of Founding President Sam Nujoma and promote literacy and historical preservation.

    13 May 2026 · New Era →

  2. Omagongo Cultural Festival set for May at Chief Iipumbu's homestead

    The Omagongo Cultural Festival, themed "Roots of Our Unity, Seeds for Our Future," will be held on 23 May at the traditional homestead of Chief Herman Iipumbu in the Omusati Region. The festival celebrates marula wine and culture, and has been held annually since 2001, rotating among eight Ovawambo traditional authorities.

    13 May 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 12 May

  1. President honours Founding President Nujoma on 97th birthday

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to Namibia's Founding President Sam Nujoma on what would have been his 97th birthday, describing him as a symbol of Pan-Africanism, unity, and Namibia's liberation struggle. She reflected on his journey from Etunda village to becoming one of Africa's respected liberation leaders and noted his advocacy for Namibia's independence at the United Nations and international platforms.

    12 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Tribute to founding father Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma

    An opinion piece celebrates Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma's role as founding father and his transformation of SWAPO into a national liberation movement against apartheid colonialism, noting his personal sacrifices including years in exile and political persecution.

    12 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 8 May

  1. Namibian President tributes former Botswana leader Mogae

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to former Botswana president Festus Mogae, who died on Friday at age 86, describing him as a distinguished statesman and principled leader whose contributions to regional unity and development will be remembered across Africa.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Businessman Haimbodi urges youth: education and hard work lead to success

    Prominent businessman Josua Haimbodi, who recently obtained a Specialised Diploma in Political Science from Bircham International University in Madrid, Spain, has called on young Namibians to embrace education and hard work, sharing his journey from a barefoot village boy to a university graduate as evidence that anything is possible with faith and determination.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. President calls for national unity to honour liberation heroes

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the best way to honour fallen liberation heroes is for Namibians to work together in unity for socio-economic development, speaking at the Cassinga Day commemoration in Omusati Region. The commemoration marked the 4 May 1978 attack on the Cassinga refugee camp in Angola, where more than 600 people reportedly died.

    5 May 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 28 April

  1. Swapo party marks 66th anniversary, inaugurates new headquarters

    Swapo Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged members to uphold the party's founding values and principles during the party's 66th anniversary celebrations in Katutura on Sunday, which also saw the official inauguration of the new Swapo Party headquarters.

    28 April 2026 · New Era →

Monday 27 April

  1. Former refugees protest Swapo HQ opening over unpaid repatriation funds

    A group of former refugees repatriated in 1989 protested at Swapo's national headquarters inauguration in Windhoek, demanding access to alleged UN-linked funds and unpaid benefits. The group, camped at the premises since October, says they are considering legal action against Swapo.

    27 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 26 April

  1. Former President Mbumba honours late Dr Tjitendero's lasting legacy

    Former President Nangolo Mbumba has paid tribute to the late Dr. Mose Penaani Tjitendero, describing him as a visionary leader whose legacy continues to shape Namibia's governance, education and national identity 20 years after his passing. Mbumba honoured Tjitendero's role in the country's liberation struggle, post-independence development, and work through the United Nations Institute for Namibia.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Swapo president defends party headquarters built near hospital

    Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah defended the ruling party's construction of a multimillion-dollar headquarters near Katutura Intermediate Hospital, saying party member contributions for the project cannot be redirected to government facilities, and that members' taxes already support such state purposes.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 19 April

  1. President calls for unity and service delivery at SWAPO's 66th anniversary

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated SWAPO's 66th anniversary on 19 April 2026, calling for renewed commitment to service delivery, economic transformation, and unity, while paying tribute to liberation heroes. She announced that planned anniversary celebrations and the party's national headquarters inauguration have been postponed to 26 April following the death of MP James Uerikua and his son.

    19 April 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Namibia's oldest football club Tigers faces relegation

    Tigers Sport Club, founded in 1927, is mathematically unable to escape the Namibia Premier Football League drop zone following a 3–2 defeat to Eleven Arrows, marking the club's first-ever relegation in its 99th year. The club's fall reflects a broader decline of traditional powerhouses in Namibian football, attributed by analysts to failure to adapt to modern football demands and compounded by recruitment, discipline, and administrative issues.

    14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

  1. Boxing bonanza tribute to Founding President scheduled for May 9

    The MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy will host the Tribute to Founding President Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma Boxing Bonanza on 9 May, featuring title defences by Fillipus Energy Nghitumbwa and Mateus Heita, alongside other top Namibian fighters. The event aims to celebrate Nujoma's legacy in sport development and position local fighters for world title opportunities.

    13 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. Councillor honours Nujoma's legacy and local predecessors

    Ongenga constituency councillor Josef Stalin Nenghwanya has said that Founding President Sam Nujoma and his generation laid a foundation for a peaceful, united and prosperous nation, with his legacy continuing through his presidential successors. Nenghwanya also thanked his own predecessors for establishing the foundation upon which he is now building.

    1 April 2026 · Informanté →

Sam Nujoma — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute