Pohamba turns 91 as Nandi-Ndaitwah honours his lifetime of service
Staff Reporter PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has hailed former President Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba as a symbol of Namibia’s liberation struggle and democratic development, as he celebrates his 91st birthday. In a birthday message issued in honour of Pohamba, Nandi-Ndaitwah described his life as being closely intertwined with some of the most defining chapters in Namibia’s history, ... The post Pohamba turns 91 as Nandi-Ndaitwah honours his lifetime of service appeared first on Informanté .
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has hailed former President Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba as a symbol of Namibia’s liberation struggle and democratic development, as he celebrates his 91st birthday.
In a birthday message issued in honour of Pohamba, Nandi-Ndaitwah described his life as being closely intertwined with some of the most defining chapters in Namibia’s history, from the liberation struggle and Independence to the building of the country’s democratic institutions.
Pohamba, Namibia’s second President, was born on 18 August 1935 and turns 91 today.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Pohamba belongs to a generation of Namibians who experienced colonial rule, participated in the struggle for national liberation and witnessed the country attain Independence in 1990.
“At 91, Comrade Pohamba belongs to a generation of Namibians who have known our country in profoundly different times,” she said.
“He knew Namibia before Independence. He experienced the injustice and indignity of colonial rule. He answered the call to struggle for freedom. He witnessed the birth of our Republic in 1990.”
She said Pohamba had the privilege of seeing the country for whose freedom he sacrificed develop into a peaceful and democratic nation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah joined the Namibian people, Government and Pohamba’s family in congratulating the former president, saying his 91 years represented a lifetime of service, sacrifice, leadership and devotion to Namibia.
Pohamba was a founding member of SWAPO and played a significant role in the liberation struggle, carrying responsibilities within the movement and contributing to advancing Namibia’s cause internationally.
Following Independence, he continued serving the country in various capacities and contributed to strengthening democratic institutions and addressing socio-economic challenges inherited at Independence.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said his service reflected an understanding that political freedom was “not the end of our journey, but the beginning” of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Namibia.
Pohamba later served as Namibia’s second President from 2005 to 2015.
During his presidency, Nandi-Ndaitwah said, he provided leadership grounded in humility, reconciliation, national unity and respect for the rule of law.
She said his presidency contributed to the consolidation of Namibia’s democracy and the strengthening of institutions.
His commitment to equality and inclusive governance was also reflected in progress made during his tenure in increasing the participation of women in political decision-making, she said.
Pohamba’s leadership was recognised internationally when he received the 2014 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2015.
The award recognised his contribution to national cohesion and reconciliation, democratic consolidation, socio-economic development, human rights and media freedom.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said, however, that the greatest measure of a statesman was not necessarily the offices he held or the honours he received, but the country he left to future generations.
“Comrade Pohamba can today look upon a Namibia fundamentally different from the one he knew as a young man: a sovereign Republic with its own Constitution and democratic institutions; a country governed by Namibians themselves,” she said.
She said Pohamba’s birthday serves as a reminder to younger Namibians that the peace and freedoms enjoyed today were achieved through the courage, sacrifice and perseverance of previous generations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further said the current generation of leaders had a responsibility to preserve political freedom while advancing economic independence, creating opportunities for young people, reducing inequality and ensuring that the benefits of Independence are felt by all Namibians.
“At 91, Comrade Pohamba therefore stands not only as a former Head of State, but as a living witness to Namibia’s extraordinary national journey,” she said.
She expressed gratitude for Pohamba’s sacrifices and decades of service, saying it was significant that he could witness generations of Namibians living in freedom.
Nandi-Ndaitwah wished Pohamba continued good health, strength, peace and happiness, while praising the wisdom accumulated during his nine decades of life.
“Happy 91st Birthday, Comrade President Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba. Namibia celebrates you. Namibia honours your service. And Namibia wishes you many more years of good health, peace and happiness,” she said.
Photo: Namibian Presidency
