Ovambanderu centenary commemoration kicks off

Ovambanderu centenary commemoration kicks off

Zebaldt Ngaruka

PLESSIS PLAAS – Ovambanderu from all walks of life have descended on the Omaheke region’s Epukiro constituency to celebrate 100 years of migration from concentration camps to Epukiro.

Speaking to New Era, Ovambanderu Traditional Authority spokesperson Uazenga Ngahahe said the activities will commence today at Omukuruvaro in Okorukambe constituency.

“The purpose of this event is to tell the world the Ovambanderu people are not shadows of another tribe, and their history during the colonial oppression will be told correctly,” he said.

Ngahahe added that the history of the Ovambanderu is well-documented, and their placement under Ovaherero by the colonial masters has created hatred and confusion among generations of the community.

The spokesperson said at the time of migration, Erastus Handura, who was taking care of the Ovambanderu in the camps, told them he was too old to move with them to Epukiro, and that prompted the community to look for Nikanor Hoveka to lead them to Epukiro.

Ngahahe further emphasised that the Ovambanderu people will not seek any dispute or competition with anyone in commemorating their migration. “This event is open to all inhabitants, irrespective of tribes. Our migration is even being praised in the traditional songs called omuhiva and outjina. Let’s preach unity, and work together as brothers and sisters,” he said.

The event’s organising committee chairperson Uahavi Kauami said everything is in place and all necessary logistics had been done.

“The committee worked tirelessly and round the clock to make this a reality, and Ovambanderu will be hosting their historic event proudly,” he said.

Kauami said people started camping at Omukuruvaro yesterday, where the demonstration of migration will commence. It will end at Epukiro Post 3, better known as Omaueuozonjanda.

The main gathering place is the sports ground in the settlement, and already people from different parts of the country had arrived in Epukiro.

The official programme will kick off at 15h00 today at the Epukiro sports ground following the migration demonstration.

After the official opening, Ovambanderu historian Karii Zauana and head of the traditional court, Zebaldt Uazenga, will narrate the migration demonstration to the audience.

One of the community elders, Jakuaterua Kanguatjivi, and Kenatja Murangi will explain the history of migration from concentration camps.

The event will be dominated by cultural performances from the community until late.

Tomorrow, senior Ovambanderu councillor Gerson Kunomundu Katjirua will open the proceedings with a welcoming remark at 08h00.

Meanwhile, Tuiiuane Tjozongoro, a seasoned Ovambanderu historian, will present the history of the community before and during the migration, while constituency councillor Pineal Packey Pakarae will present development progress of Epukiro from 1924 to date.

The various traditional authorities will make presentations before Ovambanderu chief Eben Tjozohongo II Nguvauva makes a remark and introduces the main speaker, Obeth Kandjoze, who will be representing President Nangolo Mbumba.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com