The Ovambanderu community will gather at Okahandja over the weekend to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the execution of chief Kahimemua Nguvauva, one of Namibia’s earliest anti-colonial resistance leaders.
Speaking to Desert FM on Friday, Ovambanderu Traditional Authority spokesperson Uazenga Ngahahe described Nguvauva as a courageous leader who stood against German colonial expansion during the late 19th century.
“Chief Nguvauva was one of the earliest African leaders to openly resist German colonial rule in what was then known as German South West Africa,” Ngahahe said.
According to him, Nguvauva’s determination to defend his people’s land, culture and independence led to armed conflict with German colonial forces.
“His execution, alongside Nicodemus Kavikunua’s, became a symbol of courage and sacrifice. Today, he is recognised as one of Namibia’s national heroes because he laid the foundation for later struggles against colonial rule,” he said.
Ngahahe stressed that Nguvauva’s contribution extends beyond the Ovambanderu community.
“He did not only fight for the Ovambanderu people. He fought for all Namibians so that future generations would not be left without land and freedom.”
Ngahahe said it is essential for young Namibians to learn about leaders such as Nguvauva and the resistance movements that shaped the country’s history.
“You cannot fully appreciate independence without understanding the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Their blood watered the freedom we enjoy today,” he said.
This year’s programme will feature praise songs dedicated to Nguvauva and other liberation figures, poetry performances, historical presentations and storytelling sessions led by historians and community elders.
The event will also reflect on the persecution faced by members of Nguvauva’s family and clan following his execution, a period that Ngahahe described as one of the darkest chapters in the community’s history.
“He openly rejected colonial rule and believed Namibians should govern themselves. These leaders carried forward the legacy of resistance and helped ensure that the struggle remained alive,” Ngahahe said.
He encouraged all Namibians, regardless of ethnic background, to attend the commemoration.
“This is not only the story of the Ovambanderu people. It is an important chapter in Namibia’s history and its enduring quest for freedom and justice, and as we commemorate this milestone, we must ensure that the legacy of our forefathers remains alive and continues to inspire future generations to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Namibia,” he said.
He also called on attendees to conduct themselves respectfully during the gathering, describing the site as a sacred place of remembrance.
