Gobabis: The Ovambanderu community is set to mark the 100th anniversary of their migration from concentration camps to Aminuis in the Omaheke Region. The commemoration will take place at Ondjiripumua village.
According to Namibia Press Agency, in 1896, the Ovambanderu’s supreme leader, Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva, was executed in Okahandja. After his death, German colonisers under the command of Theodor Leutwein forced the community into concentration camps and placed them under the leadership of Chief Samuel Maharero. The pivotal migration to Aminuis occurred in 1925, spearheaded by Hiangonda Nguvauva, who was laid to rest at Ondjiripumua.
Rukee Moelanjane, chairperson of the organising committee, told Nampa all arrangements are in place for the event, themed ‘Strong Beyond Erasure.’ “This is one of the historic occasions in our community, and preparations from all Ovambanderu Commandos countrywide are in full swing,” Moelanjane said.
He emphasised the theme’s significance, noting that despite the colonisers’ attempts to ‘erase the Ovambanderu,’ they failed. “Our theme speaks volumes about our existence and there is nothing that will erase us. We are a recognised community in a free Namibia,” he stated.
The four-day commemoration starts on Thursday with a horse parade in Gobabis’s Church Street before the participants depart for Ondjiripumua. Friday is reserved for arrivals, cultural performances, and a symbolic re-enactment of the migration from the concentration camps. Attendees will walk from Aroams to Ondjiripumua Commando. The day will also feature speeches on the history of the migration.
The official programme takes place on Saturday, with key speakers including Ovambanderu Chief Tjozohongo II Nguvauva, Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate, various traditional leaders, government officials, historians, and constituency councillors. Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa is scheduled to be present, and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has also been invited to the historic occasion. The event is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, which is reserved for departures.