Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma, is a Namibian revolutionary, anti-apartheid activist and politician who served three terms as the first President of Namibia, from 1990 to 2005. Nujoma was a founding member and the first president of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) in 1960. Prior to 1960, SWAPO was known as the Ovambo People's Organisation (OPO). He played an important role as leader of the national liberation movement in campaigning for Namibia's political independence from South African rule. He established the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) in 1962 and launched a guerrilla war against the apartheid government of South Africa in August 1966 at Omugulugwombashe, beginning after the United Nations withdrew the mandate for South Africa to govern the territory. Nujoma led SWAPO during the lengthy Namibian War of Independence, which lasted from 1966 to 1989.
Nujoma in 2004
Sam Nujoma pictured in 1979.
Günter Sieber (right), member of the SED Central Committee and head of the International Relations Department, greets Sam Nujoma on arrival in Berlin, August 1989. Shikwetepo Haindongo, representative of SWAPO in East Germany, is at the rear left.
Nujoma pictured on an HIV billboard in 2004
Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country in Southern Africa. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the east and south. Although it does not border Zimbabwe, less than 200 metres of the Botswanan right bank of the Zambezi River separates the two countries. Its capital and largest city is Windhoek.
German church and monument to colonists in Windhoek, Namibia
Foreign Observer identification badge issued during the 1989 Namibian election
South African troops patrol the border region for PLAN insurgents, 1980s
Sand dunes in the Namib, Namibia