OPUWO – Despite the Ovaherero Traditional Authority leadership moratorium on all Herero commemorative events, certain members of the Ovaherero community will gather this weekend at Okakarara to mark the 120th anniversary of the renowned Battle of Ohamakari.

The Ohamakari commemoration is held at Okakarara every year to commemorate the eight-month battle that began on 12 January 1904, in Okahandja, when Ovaherero Paramount Chief Samuel Maharero decided he could no longer bear the oppression of his people by Imperial Germany’s settler citizens in German South West Africa.

The commemoration is scheduled for Sunday, despite a faction of the Ovaherero splinter group led by Hoze Riruako calling for the cancellation of all commemorative activities last week in order to promote peace among its members.

Contacted for comment, Riruako told Nampa on Wednesday that all Herero people were affected by the command, irrespective of the faction or group they belong to.
“We called for the cancellation of all events because, in the past, individuals have resorted to violence over trivial disputes. As the chief entrusted with this nation, it is my duty to care for and safeguard them all. We think that holding any activities right now might not be beneficial because the community is still divided,” he stated.

He continued: “If there are people who wish to go ahead and host the day, it’s up to them, but I must advise against it as the behaviour of some people is no secret.”
Tjitavi Kambausuka, the chairperson of the Okandjoze Chief Assembly on Genocide, argued that the day would be observed in accordance with Ovaherero customs.

Confirming the commemoration to Nampa on Wednesday, Kambausuka said it would be unjust to the Ovaherero people to not host the Ohamakari celebration, stating: “We will go ahead as always, as we would equally like to keep this day out of petty politics and infights.”
Kambausuka asserted that the purpose of the day is to educate members of the community and the country regarding the historical conflict events that led to the annihilation of the Ovaherero people and their means of subsistence.

According to Kambausuka, the festivities will begin on Friday, with a number of customary events scheduled for Sunday serving as the official commemoration.
-Nampa