Pineas K. Pineas 

Members of the Ovazemba community last week voiced frustration over what they termed as continued marginalisation.

During a protest held at Windhoek’s Zoo Park on Friday, the protestors read their petition addressed to President Nangolo Mbumba, which called for official recognition as a distinct ethnic group. 

The petition was received by deputy minister of sport Emma Kantema-Gaomas.Protestors listed challenges their communities face due to a lack of formal acknowledgement. One of the protestors, Fenny Kamosho, described the group’s struggles, saying other ethnic groups often overshadow their unique identity. 

“People assume we are part of the Himba or Herero, but we are a unique ethnic group on our own. Our forefathers lived in the bushes, and we have been forgotten ever since,” she remarked.

She emphasised that the lack of recognition has far-reaching implications for the community, ranging from the absence of basic services in their language, to their categorisation under other ethnic groups in official records. 

She gave an example that the Dhemba have now been placed under the Uukolonkadhi traditional authority when there is no correlation between the two ethnic groups. “Our name, Dhemba, means ‘the forgotten ones’. We have no radio station in our language, and elders in rural areas miss out on critical information like pension collection points,” Kamosho lamented.

Another protestor, Simeon Kalukuma, stressed the importance of recognition for cultural preservation and access to resources. “When you are not recognised as a community, you are excluded from benefits meant for marginalised groups,” he said. He pointed out that unrecognised communities cannot access grants or establish cultural platforms like radio stations. “We’re denied freedom of expression. Without recognition, where do we even start?” he queried.

Kamosho and Kalukuma highlighted the erosion of their communities’ traditions under the current system, which forces them to adapt to the rules of other traditional authorities.“In our ethnic group, we have our ways of resolving disputes, but we’re compelled to follow other groups’ laws, even for petty crimes,” she said. She added that local governance could improve with formal recognition. 

Kalukuma said that the lack of autonomy impacts cultural practices like circumcision, which is misunderstood by other communities. 

“Under the so-called Uukolonkadhi community, our traditions are seen as taboo, limiting our freedom to practice them,” he pointed out​.

Protestors called on government to address their grievances, arguing that recognition paves the way for better representation, improved access to services, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Another protestor, Kavetu Munekamba ,emphasised the significant impact of a lack of recognition on his community. 

“Lack of recognition has had a tremendous effect on us, especially due to language barriers. This happens most of the time because our language is not widely understood by other ethnic groups. For instance, if you go out looking for your lost livestock, you may encounter people who cannot understand your language, hindering your search. This is why we are requesting recognition”.

David Kolunga is a concerned citizen, who expressed support for the young people of his community seeking recognition and social justice. He believes recognition of traditional authority is crucial for their community, particularly for language preservation and education. 

He questioned government’s reluctance to recognise the community, and called for transparency regarding any obstacles. 

Petition received

Receiving the petition, Kantema-Gaomas said “Namibia is a country based on the rule of law,” and assured the youth that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for due consideration. “So, what you have done, you have exercised your rights as enshrined in the Constitution. From my side, standing here, representing the President, I can pledge to you that I will transmit your concerns to the relevant, competent institution that deals with the matters that you have raised,” she assured. 

– ljason@nepc.com.na