My Journey with President Sam Nujoma
Ronel van Vuuren served as the dedicated flight attendant to His Excellency Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma for nearly the entirety of his presidency, spanning 15 years and three terms. In her role, she witnessed firsthand the warmth, humility, and unwavering kindness of Namibia’s Founding President—not just as a statesman, but as a deeply compassionate individual. In this tribute, she shares her personal memories of the man who shaped a nation while leaving an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
I began my career with the Namibian Government as a Flight Attendant in 1992. I was young, nervous, and completely overwhelmed by the weight of my new role. But from the very first day, His Excellency made me feel welcome—like I belonged, as if I had always been part of his extended family.
He had a way of making people feel at ease, and he gave me a special name: “Gwanangope” (phonetically), which directly translates to “a woman rich with cattle.” Along with the name, he gifted me two cattle. It was an honour, but it came with a condition—I had to fetch them from the farm myself. Needless to say, I never did. And for years, every time I saw him, he would remind me with a twinkle in his eye, asking when I was finally going to collect my cattle, warning me that I was missing out on the offspring.
I only knew the President with the kind heart, not the politician. I knew the man who, when I received devastating news from home, put everything on hold—cancelling meetings, making sure I had food to eat, and arranging for me to return to my family. He understood people’s emotions on a profound level, and he was never too busy to show compassion.
He often shared childhood stories with me—memories of his early years, filled with both struggles and lessons. He was always concerned about the wellbeing of others. No matter how high his status, he remained humble, always in good spirits, and quick with a reassuring smile.
His knowledge was vast, and he had a particular interest in food and nutrition. I learned about Peking duck from him, and how to eat rabbit. He introduced me to the simple pleasure of pawpaw with lemon, explaining its health benefits with the same enthusiasm he had for all his interests. He believed in nourishing both the body and the mind.
Looking back, he was an anchor in my life—a guiding presence, an example to live by. His kindness was never-ending, his wisdom abundant. And though his journey on this earth has come to an end, the lessons he left behind remain, imprinted in the hearts of those of us who were fortunate enough to know him.
His Excellency, Dr. Sam Nujoma, was more than a leader. He was a father figure, a mentor, and above all, a man with an extraordinary heart.
Ronel van Vuuren
