Sam Nujoma, the fiery freedom fighter who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, and was known as the father of the nation, has died.

REVERED as ‘father of the nation’ and the icon of Namibia's liberation struggle, Sam Nujoma lived up to these expectations in more ways than one. His warm, broad smile and easy-going manner made him likeable and accessible.

Sam Nujoma, the freedom fighter who became Namibia's founding president after leading the country to independence from apartheid South Africa, has died.