Joe-Chinthia Garises
MARIENTAL – Landless People’s Movement (LPM) Mariental councillor, William Minnie says the annual Genocide Remembrance Walk taking place from 10-12 April in Lüderitz is intended to advance calls for justice, reparations and full historical recognition of the 1904-1908 Nama and Herero genocide.
Speaking ahead of the event in an interview with Nampa, the Mariental councillor described the memorial walk as a “solemn act of historical reckoning” that goes beyond ceremonial remembrance.
Minnie said the initiative honours victims of German colonial atrocities while affirming that the events of 1904 to 1908 constitute genocide in accordance with international law principles, including those outlined in the United Nations Genocide Convention of 1948.
“Remembrance without justice is insufficient. The genocide must be fully acknowledged, taught and addressed through concrete reparative measures,” he said.
Minnie highlighted Lüderitz as a key site of commemoration due to its proximity to Shark Island, where Nama and Herero people were subjected to forced labour, starvation and death under colonial rule.
“To gather in Lüderitz is to confront this history directly and honour those who perished, while reclaiming a space that symbolised suffering and dehumanisation,” he said.
He noted that the memorial walk has evolved from a community-driven initiative into a broader platform that now attracts traditional leaders, youth, policymakers and civil society, reflecting growing awareness and advocacy for justice.
On the role of government, Minnie said authorities have both a moral and legal obligation to formally recognise and support the commemoration, including institutionalising Genocide Remembrance Week and integrating genocide education into national systems.
He however stressed that affected communities must lead these processes.
“Government must not speak over affected communities but create space for their leadership and voices to guide engagements,” he said.
Minnie further argued that efforts to address the legacy of the genocide remain inadequate, citing persistent structural inequalities, land dispossession and socio-economic marginalisation.
He said the event should result in tangible outcomes, particularly progress in reparations negotiations that fully include representatives of affected communities such as the Nama Traditional Leaders Association.
“Without equal representation and decision-making authority, any outcome risks lacking legitimacy and failing to deliver justice,” he said.
Minnie emphasised that achieving justice and healing requires a comprehensive approach, including full recognition of the genocide, inclusive reparations processes, economic redress and sustained investment in affected communities.
“The past cannot be erased, and justice cannot be postponed indefinitely,” he said.
-Nampa