KATIMA MULILO – As Namibia prepares to mark its 36th Independence Anniversary, a proposal to rename Henties Bay in honour of Founding President Sam Nujoma has resurfaced.
This has reignited conversation about national identity and historical recognition.
Speaking in a public address, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) lawmaker, who is also the party’s shadow minister for urban and rural development, Armas Amukoto, urged Namibians to honour liberation heroes by transforming colonial-era place names.
“As we are about to celebrate our 36th independence anniversary, we need to recognise our heroes and heroines who sacrificed their precious lives during the liberation struggle,” Amukoto said.
He also paid tribute to Nujoma, describing him as a central figure in Namibia’s independence, while acknowledging his humanity.
“Dr Sam Nujoma, being a human being, had his shortcomings. No one is perfect, but at this moment, we must count on what he contributed positively to our freedom and independence,” he said.
Amukoto then proposed that Henties Bay be renamed ‘Sam Nujoma Bay’, arguing that the move would go beyond symbolism.
“It is not merely about changing a name. It is about history, identity, and the continued journey of Namibia to fully reclaim its national space from colonial remnants,” he said.
He noted that Henties Bay was named after a South African prospector linked to the discovery of a freshwater source near the Omaruru River in 1929, questioning whether such narratives should still define modern Namibia.
“Whose history do our towns, streets, and public spaces reflect today?” he asked.
Amukoto emphasised that independence should include cultural and historical restoration, not just political freedom.
“Independence did not only mean political freedom; it also meant restoring dignity, restoring identity, and ensuring that our national spaces honour our own heroes and our own history,” he added.
He drew parallels to global examples such as Nelson Mandela Bay, suggesting Namibia should similarly commemorate its liberation leaders.
Linking history to symbolism, Amukoto highlighted that 1929 – the year associated with Henties Bay’s naming – is also the birth year of Nujoma.
“Renaming Henties Bay to Sam Nujoma Bay would not only be symbolic; it would be a historic national recognition of the immense role played by the founding president,” Amukoto said.
He reiterated, “I urge all peace-loving Namibians to support the renaming… as a permanent tribute to the man who helped deliver us our freedom.”
The proposal comes at a time when Namibia continues to reflect on its colonial past and the representation of its history in public spaces.
Just recently, the Affirmative Repositioning movement tabled a motion in the National Assembly to turn the Old State House into a museum in Nujoma’s honour.
“It is not just historical figures that can be considered in the domain of heritage.
preservation
Historical buildings can similarly convey a powerful message in the preservation of collective memory. The Old State House, which serves as the first seat of an independent government and the residence of our first president [Nujoma], is a case in point. Its value should be worth more than its current utilisation as the office of the vice president,” AR lawmaker George Kambala said.
Kambala wants the ministry responsible for culture to constitute a task force consisting of the National Museum of Namibia, the National Heritage Council, and the Dr Sam Nujoma Foundation and family in centralising, preserving, and curating his historical documents, photographs, artefacts, and personal memorabilia within this national institution.
– anakale@nepc.com.na