Sam Nujoma, born Samuel Shafiishuna Nujoma on May 12, 1929, in Ongandjera, South West Africa (now Namibia), is a Namibian revolutionary, anti-apartheid activist, and politician. He was the founding President of Namibia, serving from 1990, when the country gained independence, until 2005. Nujoma played a critical role in the country's struggle for independence from South African rule, which was marked by apartheid policies.

Nujoma grew up in a rural area and was largely self-taught, as his formal education was limited. However, his desire for education and freedom from colonial rule shaped his early activism. He moved to Windhoek in the early 1950s, where he became involved in nationalist movements and the labor union movement. In 1960, he co-founded the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), which became the leading force in Namibia's independence movement. As the President of SWAPO, Nujoma led the organization in a decades-long struggle against South African occupation, including armed resistance through the SWAPO military wing, the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).

In 1966, the United Nations recognized SWAPO as the representative of the Namibian people in their quest for self-determination. Nujoma went into exile for 30 years, living in various African countries while leading SWAPO’s diplomatic and military efforts. His leadership contributed to the internationalization of Namibia's independence struggle, leading to diplomatic support from African, socialist, and non-aligned nations. After years of warfare, negotiations, and international pressure, the South African government finally agreed to a United Nations-supervised peace process, leading to Namibia's first democratic elections in 1989, which SWAPO won by a large margin.

Upon Namibia's independence on March 21, 1990, Nujoma became the country's first President. His presidency focused on nation-building, reconciliation between different ethnic groups, and developing Namibia’s economy and infrastructure. Nujoma was re-elected in 1994 and 1999, amending the constitution to allow for a third term. During his time in office, he also played a role in mediating conflicts in the Southern African region. Nujoma stepped down in 2005, but he remained a key figure in Namibian politics as an elder statesman and the leader of SWAPO until 2007.

Nujoma's legacy is marked by his status as a liberation hero, though his administration faced criticism for economic inequality and human rights issues. However, his efforts in securing Namibia's independence and his commitment to his people earned him international respect. His autobiography, "Where Others Wavered," provides insight into his life and the Namibian liberation struggle.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Nujoma