The History of Namibia’s Hambukushu detailed

The older history of the Hambukushu is partly based on extensive research material, which Joseph Wüst gathered between 1921 and 1939 from elderly Hambukushu informants, who still had first-hand knowledge of their past.

The author takes the reader back to the Hambukushu’s original home at Mussuma, their sojourn at Ditomboro, and to the Luyana and Mashi rivers.

She then describes their final settlement along the Okavango River around 1800 and up to recent times.

The book presents valuable information on all Hambukushu traditional leaders and the traditional leadership elite, including exact genealogical details, their alleged ability to ‘make rain’, and important events during their time.

Apart from the Hambukushu in Namibia, the book also describes the Hambukushu living in Angola, Botswana, and Zambia.

The author discusses their relationship with other people of the region, including the !Kung, Khwe, Balozi, and Batawana during the time of the slave trade, and the rule of different colonial powers.

Since Roman Catholic missionaries played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of many Hambukushu, a large part of the book is devoted to their efforts in the fields of education, healthcare, and spiritual development.

This book is a must for anybody interested in this aspect of Namibian history, as it is thoroughly researched and written by a medical doctor with an anthropology background, and someone who combines expertise with passion, a missionary vision, and commitment.

Fisch lived and worked in the Kavango region for most of her life, where she treated many who still refer to her as Mother.

She learned to speak Mbukushu to connect with local patients, and while in charge of the newly built hospital at Andara, she learnt about the history and culture of the people living there.

Over the years, Fisch has published several scientific essays and books – especially on Namibian history and the Mbukushu language.

– Namibia Scientific Society

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