The stage is set for the installation of Hoze Riruako as the seventh Ovaherero paramount chief this weekend although academic Mutjinde Katjiua has already been installed in the same position. 

The inauguration of Riruako as ombara otjitambi of the heavily-divided OTA is set for tomorrow, and will precede the annual Red Flag Day commemoration, which is set to take place on Sunday at the same venue. 

It is now certain that the Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) will have two rival paramount chiefs, Katjiua and Riruako.  

The latest inauguration ceremony will be held at the Red Flag Commando No 1 at Okahandja, OTA spokesperson Sam Kauapirura confirmed.

The Red Flag Day event is an annual gathering of the OvaHerero people to commemorate their deceased chiefs, and is held in Okahandja. 

According to Kauapirura, various prominent figures from all spheres of society are expected at the event, including the eight traditional leaders of what has come to be known as the chiefs’ assembly, which was established through the Okandjoze Memorandum of Understanding.

Under the Okandjoze MoU, the eight leaders and their senior traditional councillors pledged to work together in the ongoing Ovaherero and Ovambanderu fight for restorative justice and have the German government to acknowledge and apologise for the genocide committed to Hereros and Namas between 1904 and 1908. 

Kauapirura also said they expect leaders of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, as well as leaders from Vaalgrass and many others from the Nama traditional authorities in the south of the country, and those in Botswana and South Africa to attend. 

“We also invited government officials to the ceremony, but as you know the government is also aware of the ongoing fights in the OTA and the pending court case, so we will fully understand if they choose to stay away. But we would like to have them in Okahandja with us on Saturday if they decide to come. But all in all, everything is set for Saturday’s inauguration ceremony and we anticipate a massive attendance,” said Kauapirura.

Also sharing details on this weekend’s festivities, the chairperson of the organising committee Ebson-Louw Muhipa affirmed that all logistics are in place. 

They expect over 70 horses, Red Flag troops and many other Ovaherero traditional activities to grace the occasion. 

- ohembapu@nepc.com.na