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Nujoma fuelled Fredericks' inspiration

• 3 Weeks Ago 17 February 2025

Four-time Olympic silver medallist Frank Fredericks has given much credit to the inspiration provided by the late former president Sam Nujoma to his success as a world-class sprinter in the 1990s.

At a memorial service late last week at the Nujoma residence, dedicated to tributes from Namibia’s sporting community, Fredericks was among the sports figures who delivered speeches.

Fredericks recalled how Nujoma’s personal letters of congratulations fuelled his dedication to put the newly independent country on the map with more achievements.

“I had the immense honour of being a member of Namibia’s first team to the Olympic Games at Barcelona 1992, and being our flag-bearer. We had a small, but strong team, which included Harry Simon (a later boxing world champion), Luketz Swartbooi (whose Namibian record in the marathon was only broken by Daniel Paulus 29 years later, in 2023), swimmers Monica Dahl and Jörg Lindemeier, who still have national records today, and marathon runner Frank Kayele.

“Carrying our flag into the stadium at the Barcelona opening ceremony, I realised the significance of the song we used to sing in Katutura, about how one day Nujoma would return (from exile) to come and raise our flag. At that moment I realised it was my turn to carry the flag of the youngest nation in Africa.

“In 1993 I was again proud as a young boy from Katutura, to win the gold medal at the world championship in Stuttgart, standing on top of the podium as 80 000 people in the stadium listened to our anthem being played.

“President Nujoma was there again ahead of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, expressing his belief in us and reminding us to be ambassadors abroad, as well as a force for unifying and reconciling all Namibians.

“Nujoma may no longer walk among us, but his spirit, his wisdom and vision endures forever to carry his lessons in our hearts,” Fredericks said.



For Paralympians

Mitch DeWaldt, treasurer, delivered a tribute on behalf of the National Paralympic Committee of Namibia.

“As the first President of Namibia, Dr. Nujoma not only led our country to independence, but also dedicated himself to the advancement and empowerment of all Namibians, including those living with disabilities.

“Dr. Nujoma understood that true freedom is not only about political independence, but also about ensuring the rights, dignity, and opportunities for every individual. His leadership was pivotal in fostering a society where the rights of people with disabilities were not merely acknowledged but actively protected.

“His tireless advocacy led to the development of policies that integrated people with disabilities into the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our nation, breaking down the long-standing barriers that had kept them marginalized and excluded.

“Under his guidance, Namibia became one of the first African countries to enshrine the rights of people with disabilities in its national framework. His government established crucial initiatives in education, healthcare, and employment, ensuring that individuals with disabilities had the same opportunities to succeed and contribute to our country’s growth.

“Dr. Nujoma’s vision extended beyond legislation; it was a call to action, urging all Namibians to foster a culture of understanding, respect, and solidarity.

“As we reflect on his remarkable contributions today, let us renew our commitment to his legacy by continuing the work he began.

“Let us advocate for a society where inclusivity is not an ideal, but a reality for all. Let us ensure that the rights and dignity of people with disabilities remain firmly entrenched in our national agenda.



More voices

Former Sports Council administrator in the 1990s, Callie Schafer, as well as recently elected Namibia National Olympic Committee president Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, pointed out Nujoma’s personal role in advancing inclusion and overcoming the divisions and mistrust that initially plagued sports administrations after the country’s independence from the previous regime.

Namibia Sports Commission chief administrator Freddy Mwiya, professional boxing promoter Nestor Tobias and Paralympic gold medallist sprinter Ananias Shikongo also delivered heartfelt tributes to the former statesman, who passed away aged 95 on the 8th of February 2025.