Windhoek: Swapo Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa has said the party was unprepared for the death of its founding president, despite his extended hospitalisation. Sam Nujoma, the longtime Swapo president, passed away in a Windhoek hospital on Saturday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, in a statement on Sunday, Shaningwa expressed that Nujoma worked tirelessly for Namibia's freedom since the formation of Swapo in 1960. She remarked on the unpreparedness for his passing, despite his recent health struggles, and conveyed the profound sadness felt by the party.

'A giant of our struggle for freedom and independence has fallen. His roaring voice has gone silent, forever. As president of Swapo from its birth on 19 April 1960, President Nujoma has been the embodiment and inspiring face of the liberation struggle for Namibia's independence and the right to self-determination,' she said in a statement.

Shaningwa highlighted how Nujoma's efforts, from the inception of Swapo, were instrumental in advocating for Namibia's freedom and independence. 'His voice echoed in world capitals, mobilising political, military, logistical, and diplomatic support for the liberation of our beloved country. It was through Nujoma's voice that the world came to understand our quest for freedom and independence.'

She further emphasized the role of the international community, which rallied behind the Namibian people through Swapo, leading to the United Nations recognizing Swapo as the sole and authentic representative of the Namibian people.

At independence in 1990, the Swapo Party, under Nujoma's leadership, adopted the policy of national reconciliation, which Shaningwa described as the foundation of the peace and stability enjoyed in Namibia today.

'This is a sad day in the history of our party and country. May we all gather strength as we mourn and celebrate the life of the legend of our revolution,' she concluded.