New public holiday: Namibia commemorates victims of 1904-1908 genocide

Tomorrow is exactly one year to the day since it was launched: Genocide Remembrance Day. Proclaimed as an official public holiday by the Namibian government on 28 May 2024, it will be marked for the first time tomorrow.

The impetus for the commemoration day came from parliament, a good nine years ago. On 28 April 2016, Swanu MP Usutuaije Maamberua tabled a motion to this effect (see report in The Namibian). The public holiday was meant to honour the victims of the genocide of OvaHerero and Nama between 1904 and 1908 in the former colony of German South West Africa.

This proposal was followed by years of debate. There was widespread agreement that Namibia should dedicate a day of remembrance to this momentous event in its history. But the date was disputed.

Many OvaHerero are in favour of 2 October. On that day in 1904, the commander of the Schutztruppe at the time, Lieutenant General Lothar von Trotha, issued his infamous extermination order against the OvaHerero.

Many Nama, however, spoke out in favour of 22 April. On 22 April 1905, Trotha issued a similar decree calling on the Nama to surrender unconditionally.

Joint commemoration day for OvaHerero and Nama

The date of 28 May for Remembrance Day is intended to commemorate the suffering of both peoples. On 28 May 1908, the colonial administration gave the order to release all OvaHerero and Nama prisoners and dissolve the concentration camps.

Historians point out that thousands died in these camps. However, despite using the same term, they cannot be equated with the concentration camps for Jews in the Third Reich in Germany.

Critics argue against 28 May as the date for Genocide Remembrance Day on the grounds that the suffering of the OvaHerero and Nama did not end with the dissolution of the concentration camps. Supporters of the date agree, but suggest that this fact should be emphasised in the commemoration.

Last year, the Namibian government officially declared the 28 May as public holiday. The official commemoration takes place in the Parliament Gardens in Windhoek. This is probably also to honour the fact that the initiative came from parliament.

According to the programme, the commemorative event will last from 8.00 am to 11.30 am. The three highest dignitaries of Namibia, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President Lucia Witbooi and Speaker of Parliament Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila will hold speeches.

OvaHerero and Nama groups have announced that they will boycott the commemoration. The Okandjoze Chiefs Assembly on Genocide (OCAG) organised a panel discussion for today in the Katutura district of Windhoek. The Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) has announced 'Round Table Discussions' for tomorrow in Keetmanshoop.

Road closures in Windhoek, offices closed

During the official commemoration event in Windhoek, the access roads to the Parliament Gardens will be closed to traffic. This also applies to Robert Mugabe Avenue with the roundabout around Christ Church.

Offices and shops are also closed, except for supermarkets in the larger towns. Incidentally, this applies to the whole week. This is because Africa Day was celebrated yesterday and Ascension Day, a public holiday in Namibia, follows on Thursday. Many Namibians are therefore on short holidays.

Namibian.org provides an overview of Namibian public holidays in its Travel Advice section.

Sven-Eric Stender