Windhoek: While many people are aware of Former President Sam Nujoma’s public persona, not many know that behind the statesman was a man who found joy in the outdoors, especially in activities like swimming, fishing, and hunting. Those who were close to Nujoma remember his love for nature.
According to Namibia Press Agency, John Nauta, who worked closely with Nujoma as his senior special assistant, recalled the late leader’s enthusiasm for swimming in an interview. ‘I happened to swim with him by nature of accompanying him because I know how to swim, and that was in Walvis Bay. He was a good swimmer, hunter, and a sharpshooter – make no mistake,’ Nauta shared.
Nujoma’s love for adventure extended beyond the water as, according to Nauta, he was just as passionate about fishing and hunting. ‘You would wake up at 05h00 or 06h00, take your packed lunch, and off you go. And then you come back in the afternoon with bags full of fish. If we went hunting, he would give the meat to his staff,’ Nauta recalled.
Also speaking to Namibia Press Agency was former Cabinet minister Helmut Angula, who was a friend to Nujoma. Reflecting on their time in Cuba during Namibia’s struggle for independence, Angula described how Nujoma took time to relax at the famous Varadero beach. ‘I was Swapo’s representative in the Caribbean. He came to rest in Cuba for a week, and I accompanied him to Varadero, a beautiful beach. We went swimming and fishing. He was an excellent swimmer. I can swim as well, but not to the level that he swam,’ Angula said.
Nujoma led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years. He passed away on Saturday at the age of 95.
