Nujoma, who died on 8 February aged 95 in Windhoek, was honoured with a national mourning period of almost three weeks, which was marked by a series of regional street processions and memorial services.

   There, Namibians from all corners got an opportunity to bid farewell to the country’s anti-apartheid icon.

   A memorial service for the Khomas region at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, also mark the eight and final leg of the regional memorial services.

   A towering figure in Namibian and African history and the struggle for political freedom and self-determination, Nujoma’s remains were received by hundreds of cheering Windhoek residents, who lined the streets from Sam Nujoma Drive in town all the way to Katutura.

   Patriotically waving the country’s flag while braving the scorching heat along the town’s various streets, Khomas residents welcomed the late president’s casket with a sense of appreciation. Through song and dance, they expressed their appreciation for Nujoma’s resilience, sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the freedom of all Namibians.

   Both in Namibia and on the continent, the late liberation struggle stalwart is revered for playing an instrumental role in marching Namibians towards independence and his dedication to nation-building through peace, stability and reconciliation.

   In the heart of Katutura and all the way to Parliament Gardens in town, residents were united in grief and in celebrating the life and times of a man who dedicated many decades of his life to the emancipation and betterment of his motherland.

   The street procession and subsequent memorial activities were capped off with the unveiling of a gold life-size statue of the late president at the Swapo Party national headquarters by vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was joined by various dignitaries as well as the country’s former first ladies.

   The spot where Nujoma’s statue and water springs are located at the party headquarters will now be known as ‘Sam Nujoma Square’, Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed.  David Nuyoma, who spoke on behalf of the Nujoma family at the same occasion, said the statue of the late Nujoma should serve as a symbol of hope, dedication and inspiration to all Namibians.

   “He dedicated his entire life to the freedom of this country and through this statue, all Namibians will now feel a sense of renewed hope, dedication and unity. As a family, we can only say thank you to all Namibians who are honouring the life of this remarkable icon. We are truly thankful, and this should serve as a symbol of inspiration to all of us,” he stated.

   Mduduzi Tshambo, a Zimbabwean national who has been living in Namibia for over five years, was amongst hundreds of residents who joined the street processions, and described the late icon as a nation-builder and a man of rare qualities.

   “I am here to show my respect to a man who gave so much to Namibia and its people. Namibia has truly become my home, and I felt it was important for me to be here today to honour our founding father,” he said.

   Mekere Veii-Katjiuongua, the young founder and executive director of the Empowerment Pathways Foundation, reflected on Nujoma’s passing. “His contributions to Namibia’s independence will never be forgotten. Today, we remember a man who fought tirelessly for our freedom,” reflected Veii-Katjiuongua.

   Nujoma led Namibia’s liberation struggle as the leader of Swapo between 1960 and 1989, before becoming the country’s first president in 1990. He served as president until 2005, and led Swapo from 1960 to 2007.