About 2 000 people are expected to gather at Shark Island at Lüderitz tomorrow for the national commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day, honouring victims of the 1904–1908 Nama and Ovaherero genocide.
This is despite backlash from the victims’ descendants who do not agree with the chosen date.
In 2024, 28 May was declared a public holiday by former president Nangolo Mbumba to honour those who resisted German colonial oppression during one of Namibia’s darkest chapters.
National Assembly deputy speaker Phillipus Katamelo is expected to deliver the keynote address at the Lüderitz national event.
Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, ||Kharas governor Dawid Gertze said preparations by organisers from the ||Kharas and Hardap regions are progressing smoothly ahead of the commemorations.
“Preparations so far are going well. We already started transporting the first group yesterday, while the remaining group will travel today.
We will also have a community gathering programme and are calling on those with vehicles to assist people who need transport, as the government cannot do it alone,” he said.
Gertze said traditional authorities from both the Nama and Ovaherero communities have been invited, along with the German ambassador to Namibia, who has confirmed attendance.
He added that German-speaking Namibians have been invited as organisers want the event to be inclusive and open to all Namibians.
“So far there have been no hiccups, although the number of people being transported daily has increased as the day approaches. The process has been smooth,” he said.
Hardap governor Riaan McNab says his region has also organised transport for community members travelling to Lüderitz, which includes around 150 young people.
“Transport is sorted. They are currently having breakfast and are on their way to Lüderitz because they have a programme to attend at the old power station,” he says.
Meanwhile, Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge says no invitation had been extended to German representatives for the Oshana commemoration event.
He says Nama and Ovaherero communities, regional and local authority leaders and northern traditional authorities have all been invited to attend the event at Ondangwa.
Minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp is expected to deliver the keynote address at the Ondangwa event, which will take place at the open space opposite the Ondonga Traditional Authority office.
Vice president Lucia Witbooi will officiate at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine in the Ohangwena region, while prime minister Elijah Ngurare is expected to attend commemorations at Otjinene, in the Omaheke region.
