Namibia: First Genocide Remembrance Day to Be Marked At Parliament Gardens With Public Holiday

Namibia will hold its first-ever Genocide Remembrance Day at Parliament Gardens. This day honors the atrocities committed by Germany against the Nama and Ovaherero over 100 years ago.

Audrin Mathe, executive director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, spoke to Desert FM on Tuesday. He mentioned that this event will be recognized as a public holiday. It will take place near Alte Feste, a site where these atrocities occurred.

Mathe noted that planning for this inaugural event has been ongoing for weeks or months. The government is engaging with traditional leaders from affected communities. This aims to make the event inclusive and acknowledge the past atrocities.

He stated that more details about the program will be released soon. National leaders and representatives from affected communities will attend the event. Discussions about recognizing this day began in 2016, leading to its official recognition in 2024.

Mathe highlighted that around 80% of the Nama people were killed during this genocide. The Ovaherero population was reduced by half. He emphasized that it wasn't just a massacre; land dispossession also caused national poverty.

People were forcibly removed from their land and driven into deserts to die. Mathe urged citizens to reflect on Genocide Remembrance Day's significance. He pointed out that even after 35 years of independence, many still lack access to land.

Since 1990, the government has attempted to buy land for those affected. However, prices often increase significantly when sold to the state. Land valued at N$4 million can suddenly cost N$12 million. Mathe called for honest dialogue on how the government can acquire and distribute land affordably.