FLASHBACK: Founding President of Namibia Dr Sam Nujoma officiates at the inauguration of SADC Parliamentary Forum House in Windhoek, Namibia on March 23, 2001. Looking on are (from left) Former Speaker of Malawi Hon Sam Mpasu, the late Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia Dr Mose Tjitendero, Hon. Hidipo Hamumyela who was then Minister of Foreign Affairs, former SADC Executive Secretary Prego Rhamsamy, and former SADC PF Secretary General Dr Kasuka Mutukwa.
By Moses Magadza
Windhoek, Namibia – The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has paid tribute to the late Dr. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding President, for his unwavering commitment to regional integration and democracy.
President Nujoma died on February 8 in Windhoek, Namibia. He was 95. In a statement, the President of the SADC PF, Hon. Justin Tokely, extended condolences on behalf of the Forum to the Nujoma family, the Namibian government, and the people of Namibia.
Dr. Nujoma, a towering figure in Namibia’s struggle for independence and a champion of Pan-African unity, was lauded as a visionary leader whose legacy extends far beyond his nation.
Hon. Tokely described him as “a beacon of democracy, regional integration, and unity in the SADC region and beyond,” and said he had played a pivotal role in advancing freedom and liberation across Southern Africa.
The SADC PF President said under Dr. Nujoma’s leadership, Namibia played a foundational role in the establishment of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
The historic summit that launched the Forum took place in Windhoek on July 15, 1995, with Namibia generously hosting its headquarters and Secretariat to this day.
Highlighting Dr. Nujoma’s support, Hon. Tokely recalled his inauguration of the SADC Forum House in 2001, describing it as “a testament to his unwavering support for parliamentary institutions as essential pillars of governance and democracy.”
Hon Tokely said Dr. Nujoma’s vision for the Forum went beyond its inception, and recalled that in 1999, he boldly declared the SADC PF as “the nucleus of a future regional parliamentary assembly,” a statement that continues to inspire the Forum’s ongoing mission to foster democratic governance and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
At the 16th Plenary Assembly Session in 2004, Dr Nujoma reiterated Namibia’s readiness to host a fully-fledged SADC Parliament, demonstrating his belief in the transformative power of inter-parliamentary dialogue to promote peace, democracy, and regional development.
“Dr. Nujoma’s visionary role was instrumental in the creation and strengthening of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. His lifelong commitment to Pan-African unity and regional integration has shaped the ethos of the Forum and left an indelible mark on the region,” Hon. Tokely, who is also the Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, said.
Beyond his contributions to the Forum, Dr. Nujoma’s advocacy for regional solidarity and social justice has been hailed as a benchmark for regional leaders.
His belief in unity as a catalyst for development inspired mechanisms such as the SADC PF, which today stands as a pillar of democracy and cooperation within the region.
Hon. Tokely also reflected on Dr. Nujoma’s enduring influence even after his retirement from active politics, describing him as a “revered pillar” of the SADC community and a guiding light for future generations.
As the SADC PF joins the world in mourning the loss of this great leader, Hon. Tokely affirmed that Dr. Nujoma’s contributions to regional integration, peace, and democracy would forever be remembered.
“May his exemplary legacy continue to inspire unity, democracy, and prosperity throughout the SADC region and beyond,” he said.
- Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC PF.
