Nujoma awarded Order of Supreme Companion of OR Tambo

WINDHOEK, 27 Apr- Founding President Sam Nujoma has been awarded the Order of Supreme Companion of OR Tambo by the South African government.
The order is awarded in three classes. The Supreme Companion of OR Tambo falls in the gold class and is awarded to those who have actively promoted the interests and aspirations of South Africa through excellent cooperation and active expression of solidarity and support.
In a statement issued by the Namibian Presidency on Thursday, President Hage Geingob congratulated Nujoma for the nomination and award.
He described Nujoma as “an indomitable Pan-Africanist and revolutionary par excellence.”
“Nujoma is an emblem of our liberation struggle and his contributions to the freedom of the oppressed extent beyond our borders,” Geingob said.
The Head of State emphasised that Nujoma’s deep footprints in the making of Namibia’s history and re-shaping of the southern African region, alongside travelling companions including Oliver Reginald Tambo, make him a natural and worthy recipient of the award.
Tambo was a South African anti-apartheid politician and revolutionary who served as president of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1967 to 1991.
Along with South Africa’s late founding President, Nelson Mandela and his anti-apartheid activist counterpart, Walter Sisulu, they formed the ANC Youth League in 1943.
Tambo died on 24 April 1993.
Geingob further said the award is testimony to Nujoma’s selfless personal sacrifices as a freedom fighter, but an award he will accept on behalf of the Namibian people to whom he has demonstrated love and commitment.
“It is a proud moment for Namibians when one of the best in their fold is elevated by the sister people of South Africa to the Order of Companion of OR Tambo, Gold,” he said.
Nujoma is expected to receive the award in Pretoria, South Africa on Saturday.
(NAMPA)