Windhoek: Ovambanderu Chief Tjozohongo II Nguvauva has described the centenary commemoration of his community’s forced migration from concentration camps to Aminuis as an occasion that brought forth both sad and joyful emotions. Speaking at the commemorative event held at Ondjiripumua village on Saturday, Nguvauva said the occasion reminded him of the suffering endured by the Ovambanderu during their migration from concentration camps in places like Windhoek, Omitara, and Lderitz to Aminuis.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nguvauva expressed the hardship the Ovambanderu faced when they were forcibly removed from fertile farming land to the semi-desert land of Aminuis. He detailed how the community traveled on foot with their livestock and small children, risking their lives to wild animals. Nguvauva noted that the Ovambanderu first suffered under German colonial forces, followed by the apartheid regime of South Africa and their allies.

Nguvauva emphasized the painful historical context, asserting that the colonizers aimed to erase the Ovambanderu following the killing of his great-grandfather, Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva, in 1896. He recounted how members of the Nguvauva family were forced to give their children different surnames as the Germans sought to erase their lineage, a consequence of his father, Kahimemua Nguvauva, refusing to give land to the Germans.

Despite these painful memories, Nguvauva expressed immense gratitude that Namibia is now free, allowing him to commemorate the 100-year migration anniversary alongside government leaders. He highlighted the resilience of the Nguvauva leadership, acknowledging their role in guiding the community through oppressive times and contributing to the liberation of Namibia.

Chief Nguvauva concluded his address by appealing to the government to name the Gobabis-Aminuis road after Hiangonda Nguvauva, recognizing his role in leading the migration to Aminuis.