Zebaldt Ngaruka

EPUKIRO – Omaheke Regional Council chairperson Ignatius Kariseb said the story of Namibia’s liberation struggle is incomplete without recognising the pivotal contributions of the people of Omaheke.

In his tribute message to Founding President Sam Nujoma, Kariseb told New Era that the region was not merely an observer in the struggle for independence, but an active participant.

He said there were significant moments unfolding, shaping the course of the country’s history.

“Our region was more than a geographical entity. It was a symbol of resistance, unity and sacrifice,” he said.

Kariseb added that Omaheke’s role in the liberation struggle is profound.

 He said fields, towns and people of the region were integral to the success of the fight against colonial oppression.

He stressed that the sacrifices made by its people remain a cornerstone of the country’s history.

The chairperson said the unity that led to political independence must drive Namibians toward economic emancipation.

 “Just as the people of Omaheke and Namibia stood firm in the fight for political freedom, so too must we stand together in the pursuit of economic prosperity,” Kariseb said.

The Swapo councillor for Kalahari said it was in the Omaheke region’s Aminuis district in Toasis where the late Nujoma received blessings from Chief Hosea Katjikururume Kutako, which is one of the defining moments for his path to liberation.

“It is a well-known fact that the founding president kicked off his long trip on 29 February 1960. He was driven from Windhoek’s Old Location to Gobabis by Johannes Karuaihe, who was travelling to Otjinene and Epukiro,” he recalled.

En route to Botswana, Nujoma was accommodated by late Archbishop Asaria Kamburona of Oruuano Church in Gobabis before he continued with his long journey.

“The founding president, after blessings from Chief Kutako at Toasis, travelled to the border, where he was given a lift by Ludwig Stanley,” narrated Kariseb.

After being dropped off and receiving directions and contact in Botswana at the Kanaindo present-day Buitepos settlement, Kariseb said Nujoma’s parting words to Stanley were “Goodbye. I will be back with independence”. 

The chairperson said Nujoma’s legacy began a difficult journey, crawling under the border fence into Botswana, setting in motion a global campaign for Namibia’s freedom.

“On 1 March 1960, Nujoma found himself for the first time beyond the reach of the then-white minority South African colonial oppressors, which coincided with 1 March 2025, which was his burial day,” said Kariseb.

The regional chairperson gave gratitude to the people of Botswana for their unwavering kindness and support to Nujoma and other freedom fighters.

He said Omaheke’s contributions led to the construction of the Chief Hosea Kutako Memorial Museum and Homestead Shrine in Tosais, which was inaugurated in January this year.

The founding president died on 8 February in Windhoek.

 He was buried on 1 March at the Heroes Acre in the capital.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com