Vice President Nangolo Mbumba has demanded that all artefacts of historical and cultural significance to Namibians be returned to their rightful owners.
Mbumba made the demand at the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the battle of Otjiunda and the subsequent execution of the late Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva at Okahandja on Sunday.
Chief Kahimemua was wounded and arrested in Epukiro and brought to Okahandja, where he was executed on 12 June 1896.
The German colonial force took his sacred traditional belt, which was presented to one of the museums in Germany for safekeeping.
“I am informed that arrangements are being made to return the belt to the Nguvauva family. This belt as well as other artefacts of historical and cultural significance to the communities which were forcefully seized by colonialists must be returned to their rightful owners without delay,” Mbumba said.
He further said the Ovambanderu community and many other traditional communities in Namibia continue to play an important role in the development of the country.
The active role of the Ovambanderu traditional authority in the 1904-1908 genocide negotiations between the government and Germany is highly commended and appreciated, Mbumba said.
“It is my wish that one day a final solution will be found to this dark, painful and emotional chapter of the 1904-1908 genocide in the interest of the affected communities and the Namibian nation,” he noted.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and traditional leaders joined members of the public at the annual event.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency