Nujoma’s photographer says his smile made capturing him effortless

By: Ketemba Tjipepa

Former State photographer Maria Namundjebo says the late president, Sam Nujoma, was very easy to photograph. Namundjebo said Nujoma’s charismatic smile and presence made it effortless to photograph him.

Namundjebo was one of the first female photographers at State House after landing the job in 1998. She worked with Nujoma during his second term until the end of his presidency in 2005. Namundjebo also photographed Nujoma in various settings, including retreats and while with his family.

“But once you call him, Comrade President, we want to photograph you, ‘he will say, now you are the boss, you tell me what to do. You tell me how I should pose’…

He was a very easy person to photograph. So in a way, I portrayed his strength as a statesman and his humanity”.

In addition to her work, Namundjebo shared that Nujoma funded her studies to upgrade her photography certificate. 

 Nujoma covered the cost of her professional diploma course in photography in Pretoria, South Africa. 

 Namundjebo said this academic support opened doors in her career, as she is currently a Policy Analyst at State House.

“To date, that photography diploma opened up my door. As we speak, having been in a political environment, I went up to the level of having a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Management, which I can still say is the president’s work that he did for me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for him,” remarked Namundjebo.

Namundjebo said will remember Nujoma as compassionate, decisive, and respectful towards his staff, treating them like family.