Memorial & museum for resistance fighter Hosea Kutako inaugurated

He survived the German genocide of the OvaHerero in 1904 - 1908. As Paramount Chief, he reunited his dispersed and traumatised people, breathing new pride into them with a modern identity. And he was one of the nine central figures in the resistance struggle against South Africa's apartheid regime.

We are talking about Hosea Komombumbi Katjikururume Kutako. The direct successor of Paramount Chief Samuel Maharero, who declared war on the German colonial power in 1904 and died in exile in Botswana in 1923. International holidaymakers to Namibia meet Hosea Kutako as soon as they arrive: The international airport near Windhoek is named after him.

Hosea Kutako's life and work are now commemorated on a memorial site, and a museum was erected at his home in Toasis near Aminuis. More precisely: around his house and his 'meeting room', an ancient camel thorn tree. Toasis is a small settlement in eastern Namibia, about 190 km south of Gobabis, in the heart of the Kalahari.

Inauguration on a symbolic day

The President of Namibia, Nangolo Mbumba, formally inaugurated the memorial (see four-minute report and two-and-a-half-hour video by the state broadcaster NBC on YouTube). On a day that could not have been chosen more appropriately: 10 December, International Human Rights Day and Namibian Women's Day (see report on Namibian.org).

Hosea Kutako (1870 - 1970) and the Anglican priest Michael Scott (1907 - 1983) submitted several petitions to the United Nations in the 1950s and 1960s. They contributed to South Africa's rule in South West Africa finally being declared illegal under international law.

On 10 December 1959, 65 years ago, Namibians demonstrated in Windhoek against an impending forced relocation. The South African administration bloodily suppressed the uprising. Hosea Kutako advised the later Swapo leader Sam Nujoma and helped him to leave the country to prepare for armed resistance against the apartheid regime.

House under a museum dome

Hosea Kutako is therefore not only a historical figure for his cultural group of OvaHerero. He is also considered a national hero by the Swapo government, the majority of which is made up of Aawambo.

His grave is in Okahandja. Hosea Kutako also has a place of honour at the Heroes' Acre on the southern outskirts of Windhoek. In addition, there is a life-size statue in front of the parliament building in Windhoek.

And now a memorial and museum in Toasis, where Hosea Kutako worked and died. The inauguration ceremony was attended by more than 1,000 Namibians, including leading figures from politics, business and society. Of course, hundreds of OvaHerero also travelled to honour their former Paramount Chief.

The spacious and modern complex was built around his house and a mighty camel thorn tree, under which Hosea Kutako received his guests. In between, a bust on a granite plinth commemorates the former host.

A light-flooded dome now arches over his simple house made of wood and corrugated iron. On its walls, photos and information boards tell the story of his 100-year life. In the centre, walkways lead into and through his preserved house. A restaurant next to the museum serves food and drinks.

Far away from busy routes

A major drawback for anyone interested in Namibian history, however, is the location of the memorial. Far away from the usual routes of holidaymakers and Namibians.

But at least Toasis can be reached via well-maintained tarred roads. It is about 190 kilometres from Gobabis. Only the section between Aranos and Aminuis is still mostly gravelled. However, it is currently being rebuilt from scratch and will also be tarred in the process.

Sven-Eric Stender