Mpango, Nchimbi Lead Tanzania’s Tribute to Nujoma

Mpango and Nchimbi Lead Tanzanian Delegation to Dr. Sam Nujoma's State Funeral
February 28, 2025

Windhoek, Namibia – Tanzania’s Vice-President, Dr. Philip Mpango, and Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Secretary-General, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, yesterday to attend the state funeral of Dr. Sam Nujoma, the nation’s founding father. Dr. Mpango is representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the solemn occasion.

According to a statement from the Vice-President's Office (VPO), the memorial service and final tributes to Dr. Nujoma will take place at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek. Dr. Nchimbi, who is leading the CCM delegation, will also participate in the burial ceremony scheduled for tomorrow.

Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Dr. Mpango was welcomed by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Namibia, Mr. Caesar Waitara. The delegation also includes Ms. Rabia Abdalla Hamid, the CCM National Executive Committee Secretary of Politics and International Relations.

In a separate statement, CCM highlighted Dr. Nchimbi’s participation in several events related to the tribute to the late Namibian First President. These activities, organized by the ruling SWAPO party, reflect the long-standing historical ties and friendship between CCM and SWAPO.

The burial ceremony will take place on March 1, 2025, at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek. Dr. Nujoma passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 95.

The strong diplomatic bond between Tanzania and Namibia has roots in the liberation struggle against colonialism, where CCM and SWAPO worked together to bring about independence. During the 1960s to 1980s, Dr. Nujoma and other SWAPO leaders lived in Tanzania as part of their efforts toward Namibia’s freedom. Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990, with Dr. Nujoma serving as its first president.