THE chief of the !Aman Nama sub tribe Dawid Frederick says Germans first curbed the tribe’s population growth before general Lothar von Trotha issued an extermination order in 1904.
Frederick made these remarks at the 50th /Hai /Khaua Nama sub tribe festival at Berseba on Saturday.
The !Aman chief spoke on behalf of the Nama Traditional Leaders’ Association (NTLA).
He said German missionaries discouraged women to have children out of wedlock saying it’s a sin.
According to Frederick other tribes in the northern areas are bigger because they were not subjected to Biblical teachings.
He appealed to the Namas to unite and stand up for their rights.
“Let us look beyond our differences, and work towards unity, ” the outspoken chief said. The /Hai /Khaua tribe’s captain Johannes Isaack said the tribe celebrates the long walk to peace and unity among the Goliath and Isaacks’ factions after 40 years of a leadership wrangle.
“/Hai /Khaua people are peaceful. We do not want to create animosity, problems and fights among ourselves.
“Please know, if you touch one of us, you are looking for trouble.
“We will not fight you, but will take all necessary measures in terms of the law to finish you off “, he warned.
Isaack expressed concern over poor academic performances of Grade 10 and Grade 12 pupils in the //Karas region.
“The poor performance of the pupils is becoming a serious concern for learners, school boards and parents.
“Therefore, it cannot just be left to the pupils and teachers alone, ” Isaack noted.
He also took a swipe at those illegally exploring mineral resources in his area, reminding them that they required the traditional authority’s consent to do so in terms of the law mandating the authority so as to ensure the sustainable use of such resources.
Isaack then urged the /Hai /Khaua to work together, and to respect the laws of the country.
Deputy kaptein Stephanus Goliath invited potential investors to assist in the spirit of President Hage Geingob’s Harambee Prosperity Plan in exploiting tourism development in the area.
“If this is done in partnership, we can start economic activities in order to eradicate poverty in the area “, he added.
German ambassador Christian Matthias Schlaga as well as deputy ministers Agnes Tjongarero, Lucia Witbooi and Kornelia Shilunga were among the dignitaries who attended the festival.
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