Rehoboth
With the popular horse racing taking a back seat following vehement protests by local animal rights groups as a result of horses having to be put down after sustaining fractured legs on the uneven gravel race tracks – another culture shock awaits local folklore.
While many might argue that the surprise introduction of rodeo as a sports code is culturally misplaced as being reminiscent of bullfighting, rodeo represents a sense of belonging while it also celebrates cultural pride for the vast Baster community.
The usually laid back town of Rehoboth, holed up approximately 90 kilometers south of Windhoek, has always been a sacred and unique enclave for its inhabitants.
Hundreds of fun seeking people from all walks of life recently braced the chilly weather to squeeze their bodies into the town’s spacious show grounds to be treated to an assortment of juicy entertainment.
The annual Rehoboth Country Meat Festival proved a massive success with non-stop adrenaline-pumping live music bands performing, including the revered ballroom saxophonist Jimmy Newman, Swingers Dance Band, gravel voiced solo vocalist George Longane (Dr Victor and Rasta Rebels fame) and a horde of other high-profile artists.
In all fairness, the cold weather could not dampen the undeniable enthusiasm and passion of those in attendance for the eagerly awaited rodeo show.
This section attracted brave men and self-styled rodeo cowboys teasing raging bulls on bareback in scary exhibition fights – much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd.
Meanwhile, Brigitte Meisner of the SPCA in very strong terms condemned the sport. She says anything that involves animals as tools is not sport and can only be described as violent conduct towards animals.
“Our togetherness is all about protecting cruelty towards domestic animals or any other endangered species. Games under the guise of sports with animals as accomplices such as bull fighting and rodeos should not be viewed as sports – it’s outrageous cruelty towards animals, we don’t condone such practices.”