Windhoek: Kashindi Ausiku, former special advisor to Founding President Sam Nujoma, fondly remembers him as a prominent figure in peace and reconciliation, alongside his complex legacy as a national and global icon. Nujoma, who died on 08 February last year, was a Namibian revolutionary, fighting anti-apartheid, and towering politician who served three terms as the first president of Namibia, from 1990 to 2005.
According to Namibia Press Agency, in an interview with Nampa on Thursday, Ausiku stated that many individuals from various backgrounds continue to honour Nujoma's legacy, as his passing has been accompanied by profound national mourning and public contemplation. He said the one-year anniversary underscores his significance as a historical moral reference point.
'I will remember him as a national hero and a revolutionary leader, someone who guided various groups before independence and played a significant role thereafter. I characterise him as a revolutionary leader,' he said.
Ausiku, who worked with Nujoma from 2013 until his passing, stated that 'since leaving the State House after his last term, Nujoma maintained a low profile, avoiding both government and party politics,' praising him for bridging deep racial divides through reconciliation and urged Namibians to emulate the late leader's legacy of justice, equality and forgiveness.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the former president's legacy by advancing economic development, education and respecting elders. Ausiku stated that he will continue to support the former president's vision, which includes the Cape Fria road project aimed at connecting landlocked southern African countries to global markets.
'I believe we can still pursue that dream of Cape Fria because it remains possible. Additionally, we need someone to lead such projects as they are large-scale initiatives that require significant resources. We must find ways to collaborate as Africans to realise a project of that magnitude,' he noted.
Ausiku discussed Nujoma's advocacy for education, stating that he was a strong believer in education who supported the complete education of all Namibian children. 'He wanted all children to receive an education from kindergarten to university. So he was a leader who wanted people to create change that could genuinely bring positive transformations in the country,' he added.
Ausiku further stated that to uphold Nujoma's legacy, Namibia should focus more on economic development and food security. He added that Nujoma always wanted people to have sufficient food for the country to be self-sufficient.