Loide Jason
Auleria Wakudumo
Governors from Oshana, Ohangwena and Kunene regions say preparations are complete for the first-ever regional commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day, with thousands of people expected to gather tomorrow to honour victims of the 1904-1908 genocide and reflect on the country’s painful history.
The commemorations, which will take place in regions, are being held following a Cabinet directive in consultation with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Leaders say the events are aimed at preserving national memory, educating young people and bringing communities together in remembrance.
Oshana governor Hofni Ipinge said the region is fully prepared to host the historic event, describing the commemoration as an important moment for the country.
“The region is ready. We are still in the process of preparing for the event, and we invite the whole region, including all our traditional leaders and the youth,” Ipinge said.
He added that activities will begin with a community engagement session involving education minister Sanet Steenkamp, where discussions will focus on education, national memory, youth employment and nation building. Teachers, school principals, students, youth leaders, sports coaches, artisans and community members are expected to attend.
According to Ipinge, the choice of Ondangwa as the host town carries deep historical meaning because it was one of the transit points linked to the genocide period.
“Ondangwa is the historical site where we have the history of Okaholo, where people used to be given Okaholo to transit to the south and parts of the region. Most of them never came back because they were killed at that site,” he explained.
The governor said the programme will include a wreath-laying ceremony at gravesites of heroes and heroines, attended by traditional leaders from Ondonga, Uukwanyama and Uukwambi, before the main event at Oluno Community Hall.
More than 4 000 people are expected to gather at the venue for the official ceremony.
Ipinge added that the event will feature a historical overview by the Ondonga Traditional Authority and a keynote address by education minister Sanet Steenkamp. Church choirs will also perform during the ceremony.
“This is not a celebration, but a commemoration where we are going to be in solidarity with our people who sacrificed and perished during the 1904-1908 genocide,” he said.
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, Ipinge revealed that one of the major challenges faced by the region was the lack of a dedicated budget for the commemoration.
However, he said regional leaders, councils and businesses joined hands to ensure the event goes ahead successfully.
“There is no budget provision, but as a region, we came together through our ministries, local authority councillors, regional councillors and businesspeople to put together finance and materials to make sure the day goes smoothly,” he said.
He praised the Ondangwa Town Council for providing the community hall free of charge, saying the region managed to mobilise resources for transport, refreshments and flowers for the wreath-laying ceremony.
Ipinge said the strong response from the public shows how important the commemoration is to communities.
“We invited everybody, and people are responding positively. We are only waiting for them to come and join us so that we can commemorate the day as planned,” he said.
In Kunene region, governor Vipuakuje Muharukua also confirmed that preparations are progressing well ahead of the regional commemoration.
“Preparations are well underway. We expect a commemorative event full of cultural commemorative activities,” he said.
He added that the region will host a discussion session with traditional leaders, focusing on genocide and the battles that took place in Kaokoland during the colonial era.
On Thursday, the region will host the official event, where veteran diplomat and historian Kaire Mbuende is expected to deliver the keynote address.
A wreath-laying ceremony will also take place at the Okozongombati Regional Heroes Shrine.
The chairperson of the Ohangwena Regional Council Efraim Shipindo told New Era that the region is ready, and all is in place for the Genocide commemoration in Ohangwena.
Shipindo said the event will be held at the Eenhana memorial shrine.
The keynote speaker will be the Vice President Lucia Witbooi.
Shipindo thanked the government for decentralising the commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day nationwide, saying the move gives all Namibians an opportunity to learn about the history of their country and not only the history of their own tribe.
“Genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama people is part of Namibia’s national history, and it should be understood by every citizen, regardless of ethnic background,” he said.
He stated that taking the commemoration to different regions promotes unity, reconciliation and national healing, while also educating younger generations about the atrocities committed during German colonial rule.
He added that remembering the genocide is important to honour the victims and survivors, preserve the truth of the country’s history, and ensure that such injustices are never repeated.
– ljason@nepc.com.na