By Bisey |Uirab
CEO, Namibia Airports Company
The passing of H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and Father of the Nation, marks the end of an era. A towering figure in our history, he was a leader of unwavering resolve, a statesman of global repute, and a man whose dreams shaped the Namibia we see today. I had the privilege of engaging with President Nujoma on a one-on-one basis, and this afforded me the rare privilege of witnessing his remarkable leadership, vision, and deep love for our country.
As a child, I “knew” of President Nujoma through the stories of his heroism, through the radio broadcasts that carried his voice, through my activism and engagement with the comrades from the internal structures of SWAPO and through the admiration he commanded across Namibia. Yet, my first encounter with him in person was on the day he announced his first cabinet in 1990. By some fortune, I found myself in the same building, and I had the rare opportunity to shake the hand of the man I had revered for so long. In that moment, I felt the presence of a leader who carried the weight of an entire nation’s hopes and dreams on his shoulders.
Years later, when I took up the role of CEO at Namport, we got to know each other on a personal level. He was immensely proud of the work we were doing at the Port of Walvis Bay, recognising its potential as a key driver of Namibia’s economic growth. His belief that our port was one of Africa’s finest was not just rhetoric; he was deeply invested in its development. His passion for infrastructure and connectivity was unparalleled, and he saw the Port of Walvis Bay as a gateway that could transform Namibia’s role in regional and global trade.
“His commitment to reconciliation was another defining aspect of his leadership. Namibia, emerging from a history of division and conflict, needed a unifying force.”
President Nujoma was not a man of idle words. He led with action, commitment, and an unwavering belief in his vision. One of the most powerful examples of this was his campaign to extend Namibia’s railway to Oshikango. His leadership was not merely directive; he actively participated in the physical labour, rallying government, businesses, and ordinary citizens alike to contribute to the project. Every weekend, when time allowed, he was there, demonstrating his conviction that Namibians could and must build their own future.
His commitment to reconciliation was another defining aspect of his leadership. Namibia, emerging from a history of division and conflict, needed a unifying force. President Nujoma embodied that force, preaching and practising unity. The ‘One Namibia, One Nation’ mantra he championed was not just a slogan; it was a philosophy that he instilled in all Namibians. His leadership ensured that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we could stand together as a single, united people.
My interactions with President Nujoma were always filled with wisdom, encouragement, and lots of learning. One such moment came when he visited Walvis Bay after his retirement. Out of the blue, I received a call to come to the home of Uncle Bastos, one of his close friends. When I arrived, the Founding Father was there, eager to be updated on the developments at the port. During that visit, I was introduced to a delicacy (cocochas) I had never heard of before. It is a component found in the head of a hake fish. It was a dish he enjoyed greatly, and to this day, every time I visit Anchors Restaurant in Walvis Bay, and enjoy that delicacy, I am reminded of that afternoon, of his warmth, and of his love for simple Namibian traditions.
Another unforgettable moment was during a strategic planning workshop I held with my executive team from Namport in Henties Bay. President Nujoma happened to be in Henties Bay during that time, and I called his Senior Special Assistant, Cde. John Nauta, to ask if the Founding Father might be available to come to the venue where we had the strategic planning session and say a few words of wisdom and encouragement to the EXCO team. Without hesitation, he arrived, speaking to us with his characteristic passion, urging us to remain committed to Namibia’s development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and economic progress. My EXCO colleagues were so excited about this unexpected visit by the Founding Father and the words of wisdom he imparted to us.
One of the most profound aspects of President Nujoma’s leadership was his foresight. He believed in a Namibia that was not only independent but also self-sufficient and well- connected. He spoke of ambitious projects that many dismissed as impossible, such as tapping into the waters of the Congo River to address Namibia’s water security. To many, these ideas seemed too vast, too unattainable. But history has shown that his visions, no matter how grand, had a way of materialising. It is therefore my wish that one day his dream of supplying water to all Namibians will be a reality, whether from the Congo River or through disalination projects and/or through the various acquifers in different parts of the country.
His influence on my own career has been immense. Although I initially trained as a teacher, I soon found myself drawn into roles that involved national development. Whether at MTC, where we expanded telecommunications infrastructure, or at Namport, where we invested heavily in port development, or now at the Namibia Airports Company, the Founding Father’s commitment to connectivity has always been a guiding principle for me. He understood that infrastructure is not just about roads, ports, or airports – it is about creating opportunities, enabling transport of goods and services, connecting people and fostering economic growth.
Today, as we look around Namibia, President Nujoma’s legacy is evident in every sector. Our ability to engage with the world as an equal player, our progress in infrastructure development, and, most importantly, our unity as a nation all stand as testaments to his leadership. Even in his passing, the global tributes that poured in are reminders of the impact he had, not just on Namibia, but on Africa and the world.
President Nujoma’s passing is a great loss to the Nation. He was more than a national hero; he was a mentor, a guide, and an unwavering source of inspiration to many of us. As the Namibia Airports Company, we were honoured to play a small role in his final journey, ensuring that he was safely transported across the country so that the people he liberated could pay their last respects. It is a duty we carried out with immense pride, knowing that we were honouring a man who had given his all for this nation.
President Nujoma liberated Namibia. It is now up to us, this generation, to ensure that we carry forward his vision of development, unity, and self-reliance. He taught us that hard work does not kill – it builds nations. We must work hard, remain united, and leave Namibia in a better place than we found it for the generations to come.
He was a lion in stature but a gentle soul in person, a leader whose smile carried warmth, whose presence commanded respect, and whose dreams will continue to shape Namibia for years to come. May we honour his memory by staying committed to the ideals he lived by, and may his legacy forever guide our beloved Namibia.
As Namibia transitions into a new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude to outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba for his dedicated service during this time of change. Serving as Namibia’s president following the passing of the late Dr. Hage Geingob, President Mbumba has been a steady hand guiding the nation through a period of transition.
In a significant step toward improving airport security and awareness, SIGNA Aviation Training ATO, in collaboration with the Office of the Inspector General of the Namibian Police (NAMPOL), hosted an important training event focused on Human Trafficking Awareness and Illegal Wildlife Trade.
In a significant step towards enhancing border efficiency and streamlining immigration processes, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS) has officially launched the online application for visa on arrival.
As the first light of dawn stretched over the Lüderitz Waterfront, we gathered at the jetty, greeted by the crisp morning air and the promise of adventure. The crew of Penguin Catamaran Tours welcomed us aboard with warm smiles, their enthusiasm setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable journey.
