Buitepos:Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president McHenry Venaani has proposed renaming the Buitepos Border Post, located between Namibia and Botswana, to Ludwig Kanduketu Stanley in recognition of Stanley's significant role in Namibia's liberation struggle.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Venaani's proposal comes in response to a suggestion by the chairperson of the Omaheke Regional Council, Rocco Nguvauva, who recommended the border post be renamed in honor of the late Ovambanderu Chief Munjuku II Nguvauva.
Venaani highlighted that Ludwig Kanduketu Stanley, who functioned as a messenger and transport officer for Chief Hosea Kutako, was instrumental in the liberation movement by driving Founding President Sam Nujoma towards the Botswana border. This move marked the beginning of Nujoma's journey that ultimately led to Namibian independence, making Stanley a target for the apartheid police.
Stanley's contributions extended beyond his role in Namibia; he lived for over four decades in Botswana's Ghanzi District after being born in Windhoek. Notably, when Stanley collapsed in Botswana, the Namibian government arranged for his return home, a gesture confirmed by then foreign affairs minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Venaani emphasized the historical significance of Buitepos, not merely as a border crossing but as a site with deep connections to the liberation struggle and the Namibia-Botswana corridor. He expressed concern about reports of political connections influencing the alternative proposal to name the border post after Chief Munjuku II but clarified that his stance was not intended to undermine Chief Nguvauva's legacy. Instead, Venaani stressed the importance of recognizing multiple historical figures and ensuring that the naming of national landmarks reflects the specific history associated with them.
He concluded by advocating for a broader perspective that avoids turning the naming of national landmarks into a competition between communities, instead promoting recognition of contributions from various historical figures.