LÜDERITZ - Members of the Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) and Ovaherero Traditional Authority gathered at Shark Island near Lüderitz last weekend to remember their ancestors, who as German prisoners-of-war lost their lives in concentration camps during the genocide.

In his speech, Gaob David Hanse, deputy chairperson of the NTLA bemoaned the fact that many individuals, families and targeted groups of people perished on Shark Island due to hunger, diseases, and overall inhumane treatment.

“Others were simply killed whilst there were no dignified burials as our ancestors were fed to sharks, their bodies scattered on the beach,” the chief explained during the commemoration.

 He continued that the ancestors died for their land and natural resources and in addition to protect their rights for a dignified life. Hanse also strongly indicated that the natural resources of Namibia must be for the benefit of all its citizens.

“Their sacrifices and the inheritance demand our jealous safeguarding and cherishment,” he said. The deputy chairperson added that, in all their doings and interaction, including the envisaged relationship between German and the Namibian people, the values must manifest the glory of God.

Explaining the purpose of the event, professor Paul Isaak said they gathered to remember the 80% of Namibian prisoners-of-war who died within six months after their arrival at Shark Island. “They were sick, trying to sneak out of hospital, knowing in the morning sharks were waiting for their bodies at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean,” he explained. The academic continued that during morning hours, the incoming tide washed the bodies of the deceased into the sea for the waiting sharks to devour their remains; hence, the Island was called after them (sharks).  

Shark Island concentration camp, has been opened by the German colonial forces in 1905 and used to hold Herero and Nama people during the genocide. It closed in April 1907. In total, between 1 000 and 3 000 people died in the camp.