Zebaldt Ngaruka
The National Unity Democratic Organisation Youth League said Genocide Remembrance Day would never have been a reality without the tireless contributions of the late Ovaherero paramount chief Kuaima Riruako.
He is credited for initiating the parliamentary motion in 2006 that brought the genocide of 1904-1908 into the national discourse.
This was through a motion in 2006.
The unanimously adopted motion demanded three things from Germany – just reparations, apology and atonement.
So far, on two of the three, consensus has been reached.
In May 2021, the two governments came up with a joint declaration, which sought to address historical injustices and map out a new shared future between the two peoples.
But that joint declaration was overwhelmingly rejected by the majority of Namibian society.
Talks between the two governments have since been clouded in uncertainty, both on the social and political fronts.
For Nudo youth leader Veparura Kandirikirira, Riruako’s bravery and patriotism will always be cherished.
“Our late president’s contributions to the genocide discourse mean a lot to the party youth. That is a remarkable achievement for the affected community,” he said.
Kandirikirira acknowledged the efforts of former Swanu president Usutuaije Maamberua for his proposal for the national observance of Genocide Remembrance Day.
“We call on the government to speed up the process and name the museum after the late Chief Riruako or a floor within that museum. The street alone, for which he was remembered in Windhoek, is not enough for a hero of his stature,” said Kandirikirira.
While the party youth league recognises the significance of 28 May as the day the German colonial forces closed the concentration camps, Kandirikirira believes that a more inclusive and historically accurate approach is necessary.
He added that Ovaherero and Nama communities have long advocated for alternative dates, 2 October and 22 April, which mark the commencement of the genocide against their communities.
“These dates are deeply rooted in the collective memory of the affected communities and reflect the beginning of their suffering,” he said.
The youth leader then called upon the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected communities to reconsider the chosen date, ensuring it accurately represents the historical experiences of all affected groups.
He expressed concern over the current commemorative practices.
He added that holding the event at Parliament Gardens fails to honour the historical significance of the actual sites where the attacks occurred.
“We propose that future observance rotates among key locations such as Ozombuzovindimba , Ohamakari, Okahandja, Ovitoto, Swakopmund and Shark Island to provide a more authentic and impactful remembrance.
In addition, the Nudo youth league leader advocated for a comprehensive programme that includes the participation of affected communities, scholarly discussions and the presentation of documentaries.
“It is important that the narratives of the survivors and their descendants are central to the commemoration, ensuring that the history is accurately conveyed to future generations,” he said.
Kandirikirira noted that the youth league stands firm in its commitment to justice, truth and the dignity of all Namibians affected by the genocide of the past, particularly the Ovaherero and Nama communities.
“The government must treat the lives of our fallen heroes and heroines with respect and dignity. We propose that the joint declaration between the two governments should stop with immediate effect until the German government apologises to the affected communities,” he said.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com