Windhoek: Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate has stated that the Ovambanderu community continues to remember the Battle of Otjunda and the brutal acts committed by colonial forces. The Battle of Otjunda, also known as Sturmfeld, was a significant and tragic conflict on 06 May 1896. During this battle, the Ovambanderu, led by Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva, resisted German colonial occupation in what is now the Omaheke Region. The Germans defeated the Ovambanderu and subsequently executed Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva in present-day Okahandja on 12 June 1896.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nganate spoke at the 130th commemoration of the Battle of Otjunda at Farm Sturmfeld in Omaheke over the weekend. He described the area where the community gathered as the place 'where the blood of the heroes watered the soil.' Nganate emphasized the historical significance of the site, stating that it echoed with the last prayers of warriors and represented the source of the Nguvauva royal house and the Ovambanderu people. He cited an African proverb, reminding attendees that 'a river that forgets its source will surely dry up.'

Nganate also highlighted the misconception of colonial powers, who believed that by capturing and executing Chief Nguvauva and dispersing his people across the Kalahari, they had ended a movement. He explained that Chief Kahimemua represented more than just a leader; he embodied the seed of an enduring spirit. He referenced a proverb: 'they tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds.'

In his address, Nganate acknowledged the Ondoto family and other heroic clans who stood with Chief Nguvauva during those challenging times. He urged the youth to familiarize themselves with the history of 1896 and the legacy of Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva, using it as a guide for the future. He pointed out that Chief Nguvauva's stand at Otjunda was not a mere tactical battle; it was a fight for land, economic sovereignty, and human dignity.

Nganate declared that although the nature of the battle has changed over 130 years, the mission remains the same. He reaffirmed the commitment of the government and his office to continue the journey that Chief Kahimemua began. Additionally, Nganate expressed his commitment to working closely with the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority and other traditional leaders across Omaheke for the region's development.