As the Rehoboth Baster community gathered to mark the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Sam Khubis, the continued lack of essential public service lingered.
Residents are forced to travel as far as Windhoek and Keetmanshoop for basic needs.
Speaking on behalf of Vice President Lucia Witbooi at the annual event, Hardap governor Riaan McNab appealed to national and local authorities for urgent collaboration to restore services in Rehoboth.
“It is saddening that in 2025, residents of Rehoboth still commute long distances, just to access services that should be available locally,” she said.
“I implore the Rehoboth Town Council and central government to work together to bring essential services closer to our people,” she stated. Witbooi’s remarks were made during the commemoration of the Battle of Sam Khubis.
This is a pivotal event in Namibian history, where the Baster community in 1915 resisted German colonial forces with faith and determination.
While the focus of the event was spiritual and historical remembrance, the socio-economic challenges of the present were impossible to ignore.
“We remember our forebears who fled to these mountains to survive an onslaught. Today, our fight is different. It’s a struggle against marginalisation, underdevelopment and lack of opportunity,” said one local resident.
Despite its rich history and cultural significance, Rehoboth continues to grapple with underinvestment in infrastructure, healthcare, education and job-creation. Residents say they routinely travel to larger towns for medical treatment, administrative services and employment opportunities – journeys that are both costly and time-consuming.
McNab highlighted government’s willingness to partner with faith-based organisations and the private sector to tackle growing social problems such as youth unemployment, substance abuse and gender-based violence.
However, he acknowledged that progress remains slow without basic services in place.
The Sam Khubis site, located roughly 80 kilometres southwest of Rehoboth, was the scene of a defining battle in Namibian resistance history.
It is now the focus of renewed calls to be formally recognised as a national heritage site, with improvements already visible in infrastructure and community engagement.
“We have made a promise to God and our ancestors to return here every year. But how do we build a future if our young people must leave town just to survive?” asked Kaptein Jacky Britz, head of the Baster community.
The Vice President’s message struck a balance between honouring historical faith and calling for modern justice.
“Let us collectively work towards the ideals of social justice, nation-building and sustainable development,” Witbooi said.
-isipunga@nepc.com.na
Photo: Heather Erdmann