Vientiane: Founding President Sam Nujoma's former Chief of Protocol and Namibia's current Ambassador to Angola, Patrick Nandago, says working for Nujoma was always a learning opportunity for him. Nandago, reflecting on his experiences, shared insights into his time with the late leader, highlighting the profound impact it had on his career.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nandago recounted his first encounter with Nujoma in 1977 in Lubango, Angola, where he served as a combatant in the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN). During a Swapo central committee meeting held that year, Nujoma, accompanied by his leadership team, visited the Tobias Hainyeko training centre to address the trainees and provide directives on the liberation struggle.

Nandago explained that his relationship with Nujoma deepened in 1986 after moving from PLAN to Swapo's provisional headquarters in Luanda. He took on the role of protocol chief under the Swapo secretary of administration, Moses Garoeb, which brought him closer to Nujoma. Nandago was tasked with overseeing consular services at the Swapo headquarters, during which he observed Nujoma's precision in rifle handling and his passion for hunting.

In 1997, at the age of 38, Nandago became the Chief of Protocol in the Office of the President, succeeding Martin Andjamba. Over seven years, he managed Nujoma's daily programs, both locally and internationally, facilitating meetings with other leaders. Nandago described his work with Nujoma as a rewarding experience, highlighting Nujoma's consistent engagement with soldiers in exile.

Nandago emphasized the enduring legacy of Nujoma, portraying him as a pivotal figure in Namibia's revolution and a staunch opponent of colonialism and racial oppression. He praised Nujoma's immeasurable contribution to the Namibian people, lamenting his passing as a monumental loss that left a lasting void in the nation. Nandago called for sustaining Nujoma's legacy to unite the nation and honor his memory.