Niël Terblanché
The government has called on citizens to plant trees throughout May.
The tree planting initiative is in honour of the late founding president, Sam Nujoma’s birthday on 12 May.
The initiative was launched in collaboration with the Sam Nujoma Foundation, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, said on Thursday.
Theofelus said that it would serve as a tribute to Nujoma’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Nujoma, who passed away on 8 February 2025 at the age of 95, was not only a key figure in Namibia’s liberation but also a strong advocate for environmental conservation.
He championed desert rehabilitation through tree planting, viewing it as a way to restore nature for future generations.
“To him, planting trees was not only symbolic, but a lifestyle that embodied a philosophy of living in harmony with the land,” Theofelus said.
Theofelus encouraged businesses and philanthropists to support the cause by donating plants to schools and communities. “Citizens are also urged to document and share their tree-planting activities on social media, fostering a culture of environmental consciousness,” she added.
Nujoma’s legacy extends beyond his environmental efforts.
As the leader of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), he guided Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa and served as the country’s first president from 1990 to 2005.
Following his death, the nation observed 21 days of national mourning. He was laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre, with his funeral attended by numerous heads of state, underscoring his significance as a continental figure in the fight against colonialism.
According to Theofelus, the tree-planting initiative will serve as a living memorial to Nujoma’s dedication to national liberation and environmental sustainability, inviting Namibians to continue his work in nurturing the land he loved so deeply.
