Renthia Kaimbi
OvaHerero and Nama descendants living in South Africa have taken their demands for greater involvement in negotiations over the 1904-1908 genocide to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling on Pretoria to support their inclusion in discussions on reparations and historical redress.
The descendants, through the OvaHerero Traditional Authority (OTA) South Africa Office of the Chief, submitted a petition to the South African Presidency on 2 October 2026, arguing that the effects of the genocide extend beyond Namibia’s borders and continue to affect communities in South Africa and other parts of Southern Africa.
A parallel petition was submitted to the German Embassy in Pretoria, addressed to German Ambassador to South Africa Oliver Rentschler, calling for affected OvaHerero and Nama descendants to be included in discussions concerning Germany’s responsibility for the genocide and its consequences.
The petitions were submitted on the 122nd anniversary of the extermination order issued by German General Lothar von Trotha on 2 October 1904.
In the petition to Ramaphosa, the descendants emphasise South Africa’s historical connection to the OvaHerero struggle, particularly the refuge provided to people who fled German forces during the genocide.
The petition states that between 1904 and 1908, OvaHerero ancestors fled the genocide crossed the Orange river and found refuge among South African communities and traditional leaders.
The descendants also point to the role played by Paramount Chief Hosea Kutako in 1946, when he appealed to then ANC President-General Dr A.B. Xuma over the proposed incorporation of South-West Africa into South Africa.
According to the petition, the appeal resulted in a memorandum to the United Nations opposing the incorporation and helped establish a history of solidarity between South African and OvaHerero communities that continued during the struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
The petitioners are now asking Ramaphosa’s government to publicly support the OvaHerero and Nama quest for justice and acknowledge that the consequences of the genocide continue to affect descendants living in South Africa.
They are also calling on South Africa to support the direct participation of victims and descendants in negotiations on reparations, encourage the South African parliament to adopt a resolution supporting reparative justice and use its influence within the African Union, SADC and the United Nations to advocate for an inclusive process.
The petition further calls for dialogue among African states on colonial atrocities and urges South Africa to continue its historical role of supporting communities affected by oppression.
The descendants argue that the genocide should not be viewed solely as a bilateral matter between Namibia and Germany, but as an issue with broader implications for Africa.
“The OvaHerero and Nama genocides were committed on African soil against African peoples. Their consequences continue to affect communities across Southern Africa,” the petition states.
The petition to the German ambassador makes a similar case for greater participation by descendants living outside Namibia.
The petitioners acknowledge Germany’s recognition of the atrocities but argue that communities affected by the genocide have not been sufficiently included in decisions concerning its legacy.
“Decisions concerning the genocide, its consequences, and measures intended to address its legacy should not be made in the absence of those communities that continue to live with its consequences,” the petition states.
The descendants argue that land dispossession, forced displacement and intergenerational trauma resulting from the genocide continue to affect OvaHerero and Nama communities in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Angola and elsewhere in the diaspora.
They are calling for meaningful engagement with descendants regardless of their present national borders, as well as reparative measures consistent with international law.
The petitions refer to victims’ and descendants’ rights to truth, acknowledgement, participation, restitution, compensation and guarantees of non-repetition.
The South African petition bears an official stamp from the Presidency’s Internal Security division dated 2 October 2026 confirming receipt, while the petition submitted to the German Embassy carries a certified copy stamp from the Chancellery.
The petitions were signed by dozens of descendants from Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Germany, including traditional leaders, community members and activists from areas including Windhoek, Aminuis, Oijenero, Gaborone and Rustenburg.
Chief Katijua Kandorozu of the OvaHerero Traditional Authority is listed as the contact person.
The petitioners used the phrase “Nothing About Us, Without Us” to frame their demand for direct participation, arguing that recognition of the genocide must be accompanied by the involvement of communities that continue to live with its consequences.
They conclude that delays in addressing the issue should not prevent affected communities from securing justice and meaningful reparative measures.
