PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar)
As the dust settles on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first international foray since taking office, her choice of Angola for the crucial two-day working visit (May 8-9, 2025) speaks volumes. More than just a diplomatic courtesy, this journey to Luanda is a powerful statement, deeply woven into the fabric of Namibia’s past and its aspirations for the future.
Stepping onto Angolan soil as her first official act beyond Namibian borders is a significant milestone for Namibia’s first female head of state. It’s a deliberate nod to the unbreakable bonds forged in the fires of liberation struggle, a time when Angola stood as a steadfast ally to SWAPO. But beyond the symbolism and historic handshakes with Angolan President João Lourenço, this visit serves as a critical litmus test. Will it translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Namibians and Angolans, particularly in the realms of gender equality, social justice, and economic empowerment?
A LEGACY OF SOLIDARITY, A FUTURE OF COOPERATION
The Namibian Presidency, through its spokesperson, Alfredo Hengari, framed the visit as a move to “underscore the long-standing bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation.” Angolan officials echoed this, emphasising the reinforcement of historic and strategic ties.
Indeed, the history is profound. Angola, under its first president, Dr. Agostinho Neto, offered vital sanctuary and support to SWAPO during Namibia’s long fight for independence—a debt of gratitude etched in Namibia’s national consciousness. President Nandi-Ndaitwah paid poignant tribute to this legacy, laying a wreath at President Neto’s memorial, followed by the planting of a tree and laying a wreath at Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma’s Mausoleum at Heroes’ Acre.
Thus, on the eve of a new chapter in Angola-Namibia relations, the official visit of H.E. Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah – Namibia’s first female president – to Luanda is undeniably historic. This is more than a diplomatic formality; it carries the symbolic weight of generations that fought for a different future, one that many hoped would be rooted in justice, dignity, and African solidarity. The visit is made even more significant by its timing: just days before the birthday commemorations of what was supposed to be the 96th voyage around the sun for the late Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.
Alongside his brother-in-arms, Dr António Agostinho Neto of Angola, Founding Father Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma helped to define the vision of liberation in Southern Africa. Their relationship was more than political – it was forged in the crucible of struggle, built on shared sacrifices, and grounded in a collective dream of African self-determination.
SOLIDARITY IN STRUGGLE: THE FOUNDATIONS OF PAN-AFRICAN UNITY
Agostinho Neto was not only Angola’s first president but also a poet, physician, and philosopher who sought to redefine Lusophone Africa’s destiny. His government’s support for SWAPO was essential during Namibia’s most trying years of resistance. The revolutionary fraternity between Angola and Namibia was not simply geopolitical; it was an act of Pan-African commitment.
Founding Father Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma , for his part, became a symbol of perseverance and unity – keeping the liberation movement intact through decades of war and exile. Angola’s assistance was not forgotten, and the liberation ties between the two countries were sealed through mutual reliance, sharing the trenches together while cementing this bond in sweat and blood and a shared vision for the region. However, with independence came new responsibilities and, inevitably, new contradictions. The revolutionary leaders who once represented the hopes of their people had to navigate the demands of state-building. Did something essential disappear during that transition?
Their brotherhood, cemented in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, transcended mere political alliance, becoming a symbol for optimism and a testament to African resilience. This opinion piece revisits, from a perspective that blends reverence with incisive critique, the virtues of these statesmen.
However, beyond exalting their monumental achievements, it is imperative that their legacy propels us toward a radical deconstruction of the contemporary dynamics shaping Angola-Namibia relations. We must unveil persistent contradictions and, more crucially, question whether the Pan-Africanist rhetoric of the past sometimes obscures new forms of dependency and inequality that undermine the promise of a truly emancipated future.
Agostinho Neto, the poet-president, was not merely the architect of independent Angola; he was a visionary strategist who understood the interconnectedness of liberation struggles. His support for Nujoma’s SWAPO, transforming Angola into a sanctuary for Namibian fighters, was an act of militant solidarity with historic reach. The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, where Angolan soil became the grave of apartheid’s ambitions, stands as an indelible testament to that vision. Neto’s resolve in consolidating a sovereign Angola, in the face of overwhelming internal and external pressures, was, in itself, a bastion of pan-African resistance.
However, a critical view of this legacy compels us to ask: Can Neto’s celebration as the “father of the Angolan nation” and his support for SWAPO be dissociated from a pragmatic national security calculation, where weakening apartheid South Africa was also vital for the survival of the young Angolan nation? To what extent did this solidarity, despite being genuine, already contain the seeds of future regional power asymmetries?
In parallel, Sam Nujoma’s journey embodies resilience and staunch commitment to the Namibian cause. Decades of exile, many of them on Angolan soil, forged a leader capable of unifying a fractured people and keeping the flame of resistance alive. His proximity to the Angolan people, cemented in shared sacrifices, transcended diplomacy, weaving profound cultural ties, especially among the Ovambo communities. As the “father of the Namibian nation”, Nujoma never forgot Angola’s role.
The greatness of Neto and Nujoma lies not only in their past deeds but in their ability to inspire radical questioning of the present. We should critically explore their legacy, not revere it as a dogma. The questions raised here are not mere academic exercises; they are political tools to decolonise our thinking and practices, to unveil the contradictions between official discourse and lived reality, to catalyse the formulation of alternatives, and, fundamentally, to encourage citizen agency. True transformation will not emanate from presidential summits but from the conscious, organised mobilisation of the people.
How, then, can we reimagine and reconstruct bilateral cooperation on the basis of genuinely inclusive and emancipatory development? What innovative and participatory mechanisms could be implemented—from cross-border funds managed transparently and intended to strengthen local economies and microenterprises to regional policies inspired by integration models that prioritise social and environmental justice? And, confronting realpolitik head-on: without persistent, organised, and transnational popular pressure that challenges extractivist logics and elite agendas, is it realistic to expect states to prioritise equity and the well-being of the majority over their own strategic interests and appetites for global capital? Is the silencing and repression of social movements in border regions not an alarming symptom of this disconnect?
The most authentic tribute to Agostinho Neto and Sam Nujoma is not in bronze statues or laudatory speeches but in the building of societies that dare to confront their shadows and actively commit to the ideals of justice, equality, and popular sovereignty for which they, in their own way and in their time, fought. The strategic and ideological brotherhood they initiated must be redefined and deepened, transforming into a partnership that demands radical transparency, democratic participation, and a development model that places the people and the planet at the centre. May their example, stripped of mythification, inspire us to build a Southern Africa and a continent where solidarity is not an empty word but a daily practice of continuous liberation. The struggle, as they knew well, did not end with the fall of colonial flags; it reinvents itself in every effort to build a future where dignity and justice flourish for all, a truly pan-African and decolonised future.
FROM LIBERATION MOVEMENTS TO GOVERNING: A CHANGING POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
Today, both Angola and Namibia face deep structural challenges. While political independence was secured, economic justice and social equity remain elusive for many citizens. Persistent poverty, youth unemployment, unequal access to land and resources, and perceptions of growing distance between governments and the governed are common in both countries. It is in this context that we must revisit the founding visions of Neto and Founding Father Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma – not to romanticise the past, but to ask whether the postcolonial state has drifted from its original mandate. Are we building societies based on equity and inclusion, or have we simply inherited colonial structures and adapted them to new faces?
Development projects, such as cross-border dams, railways, ports, or trade corridors, are often justified in the name of progress. But if these projects proceed without adequate community consultation or without benefiting local populations, they risk repeating the extractive patterns of the colonial past.
Nevertheless, the core of the visit of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to Angola was substantive talks with President Lourenço. On the agenda: accelerating joint projects and deepening economic ties. Key areas of discussion, according to reports from Agência Angola Press (ANGOP), Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Jornal de Angola, The Namibian, and New Era Newspapers, included: Agriculture: Boosting food security and rural livelihoods in both nations. Trade: Enhancing cross-border commerce, dismantling trade barriers, and stimulating mutual investments. Energy: A major focus, given Angola’s established oil sector and Namibia’s promising new discoveries. The joint development of the Baynes hydropower project on the Kunene River was reaffirmed. Plans to extend electricity lines and water canals into northern Namibia were also explored. Petroleum Sector Cooperation: Strengthening ties between national oil companies for logistics, training, and joint exploration, with Angola offering its experience to help develop Namibia’s burgeoning industry. Infrastructure: A critical underpinning, with a special emphasis on establishing a rail link to improve goods transit and regional connectivity.
These discussions paint a picture of a shared vision for a future driven by collaborative efforts in key economic sectors, aiming for sustainable development and poverty reduction.
A NEW LEADERSHIP MOMENT
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stands at a unique historical intersection. As a veteran of the liberation struggle and a pioneer in Namibian politics, she embodies both the memory of past sacrifices and the potential of a new leadership paradigm. Her visit to Angola is not only symbolic – it is an opportunity to reframe diplomacy through inclusion, accountability, and innovation. As Namibia’s first female president, her leadership could be genuinely transformational. Her choice of Angola for her first visit is a powerful nod to the liberation generation’s unfinished dreams and a signal to Southern Africa that people-centric regionalism must guide the way forward.
Likewise, Angola’s leaders must seize this moment to re-engage with the foundational values that inspired their revolution. True partnership between the two nations will require not only strategic agreements but a shared commitment to equity, justice, and the empowerment of ordinary citizens. For Angola, the present is also a moment of reckoning. Can it revive the revolutionary spirit of Neto’s era, prioritising popular welfare and national sovereignty? Will the wealth from oil and gas fuel broad-based development or worsen inequality? The challenge is to break from past patterns where policy pronouncements often failed to translate into real benefits for the people – a scepticism familiar in Namibia, where even good laws haven’t always delivered for the populace since independence.
RECLAIMING THE SPIRIT OF PAN-AFRICANISM: A LIVING LEGACY, NOT A FOSSILISED MEMORY
If the lives of Neto and Founding Father Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma teach us anything, it is that African unity and self-determination cannot be mere slogans. They must translate into policies that empower communities, protect sovereignty, and prioritise justice. To honour their legacies, Angola and Namibia have an opportunity to reimagine bilateral and regional cooperation – not as a technocratic or elite-driven enterprise, but as a people-centred process.
We are not at the conclusion of the liberation project, but rather, we stand at a crucial juncture. The revolution now needed is one of values, consciousness, and political will. This means shifting from unsustainable extractivism to an economy based on ecological sustainability and equitable benefit-sharing. It means moving from centralised, opaque governance to genuine democratic participation, where citizens’ voices shape policy. It demands a move from nostalgic politics to courageous systemic reform.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s visit Angola, along with the agreements made during this trip, must be more than just a diplomatic photo opportunity.. They must spark a recalibration of national purpose in both countries and reinvigorate regional collaboration that prioritisess people over pipelines and sustainable futures over short-term political gains. Commitments to joint projects in energy, infrastructure, and resource management are a chance to prove this, but only if pursued with transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
The agreements from President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Angola visit offer a chance to answer through action, not rhetoric. The revolutionary past is an open, insistent challenge. If this renewed Namibia – Angola engagement genuinely seeds a new cooperation paradigm—grounded in justice, accountability, and uplifting all citizens— then the revolution’s soul, often lost in power corridors, may yet find its way home.
FINAL REFLECTIONS: THE WORK AHEAD: A QUIET REVOLUTION OF VALUES
We are not at the end of the liberation journey – only at a new phase. To fulfil the aspirations of the past, today’s leadership must embrace a quiet revolution of values. Let this moment be more than ceremony. Let it be a call to deepen the democratic project, to broaden the benefits of development, and to ensure that the next generation sees itself as both the inheritor and the guardian of our unfinished revolution.
If Agostinho Neto and Sam Nujoma looked at our nations today, would they see their sacrifices vindicated or their ideals betrayed? This is not to blame anyone but to awaken a collective urgency. Their vision should be a living guide, not a revered relic. As we remember these leaders, let us ask the hard questions: Are we building the equitable societies they dreamed of? Or are we simply maintaining the memory of their struggle while continuing systems they would have opposed?
The revolutionary past is not a museum relic. It is a challenge – a call to action. And the ultimate measure of our fidelity to that past lies not in how well we remember and how symbolic our good gestures were and how eloquent our speeches were crafted, but in how bravely we reform our societies.
Nevertheless, let us genuinely register our vote of thanks to President Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah for paying a poignant tribute to the legacy of the unbreakable bonds forged in the crucible of the struggle, a time when Angola stood as a steadfast ally to SWAPO. She laid a wreath at President Neto’s memorial, followed by the planting of a tree and laying a wreath at Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma’s Mausoleum at Heroes’ Acre.
Indeed, the Baobab tree has fallen, but its roots remain as the theme for this year’s national tree-planting day in late Founding President Sam Nujoma’s honour. Planting trees, focused dedication, commitment, leadership and recognising Nujoma as an icon and revolutionary leader were central themes which marked his life’s celebration at Heroes’ Acre. “This year marks the first anniversary of our Founding President’s passing. I am pleased that the government of the Republic of Namibia and the Sam Nujoma Foundation have chosen to honour the 12th of May 2025 as a tree-planting day,” said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
It highlighted his lifelong commitment to agriculture, environmental conservation and national development. Highlighting the significance of the Baobab tree – known as the ‘tree of life’ – President Nandi-Ndaitwah said its planting serves as a powerful tribute to resilience and growth. This is a fitting tribute to our Founding President, who made enormous sacrifices for Namibia to rise and become a sovereign nation,” the Head of State remarked.
On another occasion of the Annual Omagongo Festival that took place at Omhedi Palace in the Ohangwena Region, the President said the Omagongo festival embodies the spirit of the ancestors and stands as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Namibian people. She also paid tribute to founding president Sam Nujoma for initiating the annual celebration, held this year under the theme ‘Preservation of our cultural heritage and strengthening of our unity’. “Our rich culture should bring us together,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that for the next five years, our theme will be unity in diversity. We appreciate our diversity. It must be our strength that always guides us.
But beyond the symbolism, President Nandi-Ndaitwah laid a strong foundation to honour the legacy of the Founding Presidents and Fathers of both the Angolan and Namibian Nations. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has said that the planting of trees in May could become a national tradition in Namibia to promote peace, unity and development, as envisioned by the late Founding President and Father of the Nation, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, as many Namibians across the country took time to plant trees in honour of late President Nujoma, in celebration of his birthday on 12 May 1929.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of our employers and this newspaper but solely our personal views as citizens and Pan-Africanists.
