Allexer Namundjembo
The Genocide Remembrance Day missed its purpose of promoting unity and collective healing, according to political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah.
Kamwanyah said the national commemoration is instead creating divisions.
Kamwanyah said the day was intended to unite Namibians, preserve the memory of the genocide and encourage reconciliation.
“The approach taken by government and regional organisers, the selection of some speakers, and even some of the messages delivered are contributing more to division than unity,” Kamwanyah said.
Namibia marked the day last week Thursday in memory of the tens of thousands of Ovaherero and Nama people killed by German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908 in what is widely recognised as the first genocide of the twentieth century.
Cabinet declared 28 May as Genocide Remembrance Day and approved it as a public holiday in 2024.
The first official commemoration took place last year at Parliament Gardens.
Kamwanyah said an event as significant as Genocide Remembrance Day requires speakers who understand the history, show empathy and can bring communities together.
“Some of the activities and speeches across the regions reflected limited knowledge of the genocide and failed to honour the depth of the suffering and historical significance attached to it,” he said.
Kamwanyah warned that the current approach risks undermining the purpose of the commemoration.
“If we truly want reconciliation and national unity, Genocide Remembrance Day must be handled with greater care, inclusivity, historical accuracy and respect for all affected communities. Remembrance should heal, educate and unite, not divide us further,” he said.
The day was also marked with the absence of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who did not attend the official commemoration event in Eenhana. Nandi-Ndaitwah instead sent out a message on the day.
Youth leader Matheus Hangula welcomed President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to formally recognise the genocide through a national day of remembrance.
“Credit must be given where it is due and it has been long overdue by many Namibians, especially the affected Ovaherero and Nama communities,” Hangula said.
However, he criticised some of the speakers who addressed commemorative events, saying they failed to accurately present the history of the genocide.
Hangula praised former Swanu president Usutuaije Maamberua, saying he was among the few speakers who properly addressed the historical context of the genocide.
He also acknowledged Maamberua’s role in pushing for parliamentary recognition of the genocide.
He also criticised remarks made during commemorations in the Oshikoto Region by veteran politician Helmut Angula and Ondonga King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, arguing that discussions about Ondonga history and traditional practices were not suitable for an event focused on genocide remembrance.
Hangula also disputed claims attributed to Angula that men from Ondonga assisted the Ovaherero during battles against German colonial forces, saying he was unaware of any historical evidence supporting such claims.
He further criticised parts of the programme in the Omusati region, claiming time was spent on political introductions instead of focusing on the history and significance of the genocide.
Hangula called on the government to ensure greater participation by Ovaherero and Nama communities in organising future commemorations, including the selection of speakers.
