17 Jul 2024

Ovaherero residing in Botswana and Namibia converged in Tsau during President’s Day Holiday, to celebrate 120 years of years of staying in the diaspora as well as honouring their forefathers and war veterans who had been buried in the area.

The tribe also celebrated their annual historic and cultural festival dubbed, Otjiserandu, held under the theme: The Scars of the Genocide; Our Lessons for a Better tomorrow.

Officiating the event, Kgosi Tawana Moremi of Batawana said it gave Ovaherero tribe an opportunity to reflect on the scars of the genocide and the lessons they offered for their future journey towards victory over hate and injustice.

Kgosi Tawana said the Ovaherero endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of the Germans who sought to eradicate their existence.

 “This dark chapter in history serves as a stark reminder of the horrors inflicted upon a proud and resilient community,” said Kgosi Tawana and added that their resilience and conservancy stood as a testament of their strength and cultural identity despite the atrocities committed against them.  He appreciated that the tribe remained steadfast in preserving their traditions, language and heritage. Their ability to withstand torment and survive in diaspora, Kgosi Tawana said exemplified the spirit of resilience and in the face of the unimaginable hardship, they had held onto their cultural identity with pride and determination.

“As you reflect on the scars of genocide and the enduring legacy, you should also pass your rich cultural heritage to future generations. The lessons of the past call upon us to embrace our identities, celebrate our diversity, and honour the sacrifices of those who came before us. 

Your red flag known as ‘O tjiserandu Ombazu JovaHerero’ in your language is a symbol of unity and strength,” said Kgosi Tawana.

He challenged elders to empower youth to be conversant with their culture as well as to stand firm in the face of adversity and to draw strength from the resilience of their ancestors.

Kgosi Tawana encouraged them to continue to stand in solidarity with one another and strive for a future where the scars of genocide were transformed into a beacon of hope and remembrance.

Ovaherero paramount chief from Namibia, Kgosi Tjinaani Maharero thanked Batawana and the Government of Botswana for welcoming the Ovaherero during tough times.

He said the history on how the tribe escaped the war and found refuge in Botswana should be passed to young people so that they maintained the legacy of cherishing and celebrating it, to remember those who suffered at the hands of the Germans.

Furthermore, Kgosi Maharero informed the gathering that efforts were ongoing, to engage the Government of Germany, to compensate affected communities explaining that they rejected an offer they proposed because it was small and did not cater for all affected communities.

He urged the Ovaherero in Botswana to organise themselves, engage experts and make a proposal on the kind of assistance they wanted from the Government of Germany noting that they would have a stakeholder meeting in Namibia and in which they would look into all proposals from the affected communities and compile a report.

The gathering was also informed that May 28 had been set to commemorate and remember genocide and Kgosi Maharero said the celebrations would start next year.

Member of Parliament for Ngami Constituency, Caterpillar Hikuama said Ovaherero and Ovambaderu tribes had lived harmoniously and peacefully in Botswana. 

He said Ngamiland region was a true example that different tribes with different languages and cultures could live together in harmony and wished for others to benchmark from the region.

Ovaherero and Ovambaderu tribes, he said largely depended on cattle farming for their livelihood and expressed concern that the tradition was gradually fading away hence motivated elders to inspire young people to venture into cattle farming.

Hikuama assured Namibia of their support in engaging the Government of Namibia. ENDS