HISTORY OF NAMIBIA
Namibia is a country in Africa with a long and tragic past, in regard to its colonization, leading up to its eventual freedom in late 1998. Before it was colonized, Namibia was made up of indigenous groups, such as the Ovambo, the Kavango, the Herero, the Damara, the Nama, the Caprivian, the San, the Baster, and the Tswana (“Africa: Namibia”). Namibia became a colony of Germany in 1884 after European powers held a convention to split Africa between themselves. Germany's occupation of Namibia lasted until 1915. The Herero, other indigenous tribes, and Namibia itself, suffered at the hands of German colonialism. The Germans committed genocide of the Herero (and the Nama), whose population was decimated by 80% over four years (Ochab). Many of the native people lost their homeland, contributing to the diaspora of many African people. Even after Germany left, the life of the native tribes of Namibia did not get much better.
After Germany's departure in 1915, South Africa took charge of Namibia. The indigenous people were not given their land back by the South African government, who gave most of it to white settlers. South Africa made it almost impossible for Namibians to participate in the new government. South African’s racism and mistreatment of the indigenous tribes was so horrible that from the moment the UN was formed in 1944, the world power started criticizing South Africa (“Namibia”). The UN consistently tried to get South Africa out of Namibia in the International Court, and South Africa did not acknowledge the UN. During this time, indigenous tribes became more politically aware and active. They formed what would become known as the South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO). After years of the UN relentlessly trying to draw attention to the actions of the South African government, the World Court finally said that it was unlawful for South Africa to be in Namibia in 1971 (“Namibia”). The UN resolution 435 gave independence to Namibia in 1998. For over 100 years, many indigenous people had no means to return to their homeland. They were not allowed to experience where they came from, and they were oppressed. In many ways they were not allowed to be who they were or could have been.
HERERO CULTURE
Looking at certain aspects of the Herero culture, it is obvious that in some ways they have been influenced by their colonizers. An important way this can be seen is by looking at the overall religion of Namibia. It is estimated that between 80%-90% of Namibians identify as Christian, and the others maintain traditional beliefs (“Africa: Namibia”). Namibians became Christians because of German missionaries. Specifically, with the Herero, they took what the Germans gave them, and they made it their own. One example of this, is the Germans teaching the Herero how to play certain instruments. The Germans wanted the Herero to act “correctly” with what they taught them. Music was meant for God, but many Herero established dance halls where people would go for entertainment (Gewald 110). They also modified some of the instruments the Germans gave them. Even in the face of oppression, the Herero still were able to keep pieces of themselves. While many Herero converted to Christianity, there were some that stuck to indigenous beliefs. Part of these beliefs have to do with the holy fire. This is where they connect with their ancestors. It was also a “primary symbol and of an economic importance” in their pastoral society (Wallace 359). When the Herero were forced from their homelands, many of them had to leave their holy fires behind. In the face of colonialism, Namibians have been forced from their culture, whether it be completely or modifying it. Namibians struggled to preserve their culture because of this.
AFTERMATH OF GENOCIDE
The Herero genocide was ignored. It was forgotten in the wake of the Holocaust. It was not until 100 years later, in 2004, that Germany apologized for the horrible acts they committed against the Herero and other indigenous tribes. However, they did not provide any reparations (Ochab). The Herero's story is finally getting acknowledged and told. Just with the acknowledgement of their genocide, part of their past and who they are is coming to light. Despite Germany denying reparations, the Herero, along with the Nama, filed a lawsuit for reparations in the U.S. in 2017, using the Alien Tort Statute (Ochab). They are still fighting for what they lost, decades later. They are taking the reins of their own story, deciding how they want to be remembered.