Dr Sam Shafishuna Nujoma stands tall among leading Pan-Africanists the world over. He has been, and continues to remain, a beacon of hope and assurance in Africa. He has been an exemplary leader to both the old and young. He has practically demonstrated to the whole of Africa and the world that a man can start from humble beginnings and end up at the top through hard work, dedication, commitment, loyalty, patriotism and philanthropy.

For all his 81 years, Dr Nujoma has been pragmatic in all his endeavours. He did what he said he would. He is highly blessed because he obeyed the orders of his father, the late Chief Hosea Katjikururume Kutako, who told him: “My son, I release you between my legs, take this rod, leave the country of your birth, never come back until you have freedom and independence in your hand.”

Dr Sam Nujoma fulfilled this order to the letter. We, comrades in the mighty SWAPO party, salute him. We are forever indebted to his unwavering political stand and visionary leadership which eventually gave birth to a free and independent Namibia. I named my son Shafishuna after him. I named another son Mandela after Nelson Madiba Mandela. This shows my support for African revolutionaries of Nujoma’s calibre who refused to betray the wishes and aspirations of the toiling masses.

I would like to wish Comrade Dr Sam Shafishuna Nujoma a happy and memorable birthday. And may the Almighty God grant him a long life so that he can continue to inspire generations to come. Uhuru!