EDITORIAL: Lessons from Nujoma’s leadership
Sam Nujoma led Namibians through a bitter revolution for 33 years - 23 of which were characterised by a bloody war for independence.
Nujoma is no angel. Mistakes occurred during his leadership of both the liberation struggle and the country post-independence. One of the most divisive moments of his presidency will always be the acrimonious way he won his third term in office.
But despite his innumerable flaws, Nujoma stood head and shoulders above many leaders of his generation. His tenacity in the fight for independence, his charisma and his ability to inspire others in times when inspiration itself was a rare commodity are some of the leadership tenets more Namibians must inherit.
He had a strong, combative character, which is necessary for every war leader to succeed. Perhaps he did not shake off that image quickly enough after independence - hence the perception that he was somewhat autocratic.
But many political scholars have also argued that the perceived autocracy was necessary for a new nation that needed to get things done. A benevolent authoritarian, if you like.
To inherit a nation that was divided along racial and political lines (even tribes were divided through Bantustans) and unite it to the extent Nujoma did at the time required wise leadership. In many respects, he gave Namibia that.
The challenge for Namibians now is to sift through Nujoma’s calabash and retain some of the sentimental virtues with which he successfully led.
Nujoma is no angel. Mistakes occurred during his leadership of both the liberation struggle and the country post-independence. One of the most divisive moments of his presidency will always be the acrimonious way he won his third term in office.
But despite his innumerable flaws, Nujoma stood head and shoulders above many leaders of his generation. His tenacity in the fight for independence, his charisma and his ability to inspire others in times when inspiration itself was a rare commodity are some of the leadership tenets more Namibians must inherit.
He had a strong, combative character, which is necessary for every war leader to succeed. Perhaps he did not shake off that image quickly enough after independence - hence the perception that he was somewhat autocratic.
But many political scholars have also argued that the perceived autocracy was necessary for a new nation that needed to get things done. A benevolent authoritarian, if you like.
To inherit a nation that was divided along racial and political lines (even tribes were divided through Bantustans) and unite it to the extent Nujoma did at the time required wise leadership. In many respects, he gave Namibia that.
The challenge for Namibians now is to sift through Nujoma’s calabash and retain some of the sentimental virtues with which he successfully led.
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Namibian Sun
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