ABSTRACT
The past of Namibia had been very difficult and been based on major internal and external conflicts. It is therefore remarkable that it should have been able to be characterised since independence by political, social and economic calm. The country has had three presidents: the Founder, Sam Nujoma, Hifikenpunye Pohamba; and Hare Geingob. The strength of its Founder Nujoma surely played a major part in starting the process. Politics in Botswana has been characterised by relatively calm relationships, in which local leaders played an important part. Both Nujoma and Pohamba finished their term regularly, although it was extended to a third term in the case of Nujoma, given the importance which that leader had played as head of South West African People’s Organisation of Namibia and of the independence movement in general. Pohamba was available and able to adopt such a quiet policy without problems with his conscience or with his image in the world.
