Otavi: Neighbouring farmers and farm managers flocked to Founding President Sam Nujoma’s Farm Etunda, outside Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region, on Sunday to pay their respects following his passing. Nujoma passed away Saturday night at a private hospital in Windhoek at the age of 95. Etunda is situated approximately 30 kilometres south of Otavi along the B1 road.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Oscar Amuteta, the General Manager of the Etunda Trust, confirmed that several prominent farmers from around the area had been at the farm to honor Nujoma’s memory. “Some left just a few minutes ago, some are still here, and others might still come on Monday,” said Amuteta, who has worked on the farm since 2015. He described Nujoma as a generous grandfather and a successful farmer who made significant contributions to the region since purchasing Farm Etunda in 1996.
Among his many initiatives, Nujoma built and donated a clinic to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. He also established a thriving business hub, including a lodge, a fuel station, a shop, and an entertainment area. He further allocated free spaces to over 100 street vendors from Otavi, Tsumeb, and Grootfontein, enabling them to earn a living by selling goods such as milk, dried meat, and maize cobs. “Most of the vendors, along with truck drivers, use the water and ablution facilities here at no cost,” said Amuteta.
Several farmers and farm managers from surrounding areas who Namibia Press Agency spoke to expressed their sorrow at his passing, emphasising that Nujoma’s impact on agriculture and the community would be irreplaceable. The foreman of Farm Ho«bome situated east of Etunda, Faustinus Hamutenya, said it is heartbreaking to lose such a dedicated livestock producer. Paulus Haufiku, a farmer at Farm Konrad situated north of Etunda, said the news of Nujoma’s passing deeply affected the farmworkers of Konrad, many of whom visited Etunda early Sunday morning to pay their respects.
