SOME 50 members of the Ondonga community on Saturday gathered in the Etosha National Park to commemorate the battle of Namutoni.
The gathering was held in honour of Ovambo warriors who were killed at Namutoni on 28 January 1904.
The event was attended by, amongst others, deputy minister of environment and tourism Tommy Nambahu and chairperson of the Oshikoto Regional Council, Samuel Shivute.
Nambahu told how, 114 years ago, Ondonga chief Nehale Mpingana’s 500 men attacked German troops at the fort at Namutoni.
At least 70 warriors died in the battle.
This was the second time Mpingana’s attack on the German troops was commemorated. The first commemoration was held at the same site last year.
“Many of us were here last year and our return signifies our commitment to honouring this event, and highlighting it on the national calendar,” Nambahu said.
He said unity and teamwork were needed for a shrine to be erected at the site in honour of those who died during the battle of Namutoni, and to have the day declared a national day.
The director of heritage and culture in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Esther Mwoombola-Goagoses, stood in for minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa at the event.
She said the battle of Namutoni was one of the historic events that shaped the country.
“It is important to note that the battle was carried out by a combined Owambo warriors, and not only by an Ondonga warriors,” Mwoombola-Goagoses explained.
She pointed out that Mpingana called upon others in the Owambo kingdoms to join forces and stop the advance of the German colonial forces.
King Shaanika shaNashilongo (Ongandjera) and King Negumbo yaKandenge (Uukwambi) joined Mpingana in the battle of Namutoni, she said.
– Nampa
