No credibility or honour in erasing another man's history

Public memory is one of the most powerful instruments in shaping a nation’s identity. The names of towns, streets, institutions and monuments are not merely administrative labels; they are historical markers that record the journey of a people. When such markers are erased or replaced, history itself risks being distorted or forgotten. The growing practice of renaming and rebranding public infrastructure and institutions deserves critical reflection.When my grandfather, Kwedhi kwa Shivute, who was then the headman of Eputa Village, passed away in 1956, Tk. Nehale lya Antindi from Omapale was installed by the then Omukwaniilwa of Ondonga, Martin ga Kadhikwa. Tk. Nehale attempted to change the village's name from Eputa to Ondangi, but Omukwaniilwa Martin rejected this proposal. Before Kwedhi kwa Shivute came from Omapale, he had been destined from Omapale ga Ntananga to assume the headmanship of Ondangwa Village. However, a dispute arose between him and his guardian father, Tk. Nuujoma wa Kaangala. Omukwaniilwa Martin intervened and sought to resolve the dispute. Instead, he instructed Kwedhi kwa Shivute to settle in the area known as Eputa, where he later installed him as headman.The contest over the Ondangwa headmanship later emerged between Tk. Nuujoma and Tk. Mbudhi ya Nepunda. Eventually, Tk. Nuujoma was installed as the headman of Ondangwa and was later succeeded by Tk. Fillimon Shilongo, among others. Tk. Mbudhi subsequently became headman of Otamutala Village.Original identityDespite these leadership transitions and disputes, the name Ondangwa remained unchanged. The wisdom reflected in these historical decisions lies in preserving the original identity of places while creating new spaces where necessary, rather than erasing existing ones. Names carry historical, sentimental and even economic value. They preserve the memory of those who first laid the foundations of communities and institutions.The above-mentioned historical background provides the rationale for a broader reflection on contemporary Namibia. Since independence, the country has witnessed an increasing trend toward renaming, rebranding and removing historical symbols attached to public infrastructure and institutions. Streets and roads have been renamed, airports and colleges rebranded, and statues removed from public spaces—this trend, often described as the RRR agenda. Renaming, Rebranding and Removal, and removal are often justified as part of a broader effort to erase the remnants of colonialism and apartheid from Namibia’s public landscape.The motivation behind these changes is often framed within the aspiration to decolonise post-independence Namibia and to honour heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle. While such aspirations are understandable and deserve respect, renaming existing institutions after individuals raises important questions about historical preservation and national unity.Public infrastructure and institutions are not private assets. They are constructed from collective national resources, such as public funds, labour, and time contributed by generations of citizens. Inclusive national identityIn this sense, their identity belongs to the nation as a whole rather than to individual political figures. When institutions are renamed after particular individuals, it risks promoting personality glorification rather than reinforcing the collective nature of state development.In many cases, neutral or descriptive names that reflect geographical features, historical events, or functional roles provide a more inclusive national identity. Such naming traditions have long existed in Namibia. For example, the name Ondangwa, which means “tasty,” reflects local environmental and historical context rather than individual recognition.The practice of renaming infrastructure has also not necessarily translated into improved institutional performance or national development outcomes. Over the past three decades, several institutions and state-owned enterprises have undergone restructuring, rebranding or renaming. However, challenges such as unemployment, financial bailouts, the liquidation of public enterprises, deteriorating infrastructure, and economic stagnation continue to confront the country.This reality suggests that symbolic change alone cannot substitute for substantive institutional reform. True decolonisation requires strengthening institutions, improving governance standards and ensuring that infrastructure effectively serves the public good.Understanding this issue also requires recognising the difference between public and private values in governance. Personal interests, reputation and political legacy often drive private values. Public values, on the other hand, emphasise collective benefit and national unity. The African philosophical concept of Ubuntu captures this principle well. Ubuntu teaches that a person’s humanity is defined through their relationship with others — “I am because you are.”Nation-buildingWhen applied to public governance, Ubuntu reminds us that no individual achieves success alone. Public institutions are built through the collective effort of many people, including engineers, workers, administrators, taxpayers, and communities. Recognising only one individual in the naming of such institutions may therefore overlook the contributions of many others.Namibia’s post-independence leadership inherited a society deeply divided by decades of colonialism and apartheid. The project of nation-building, therefore, requires careful balancing between acknowledging painful history and promoting reconciliation. Therefore, removing historical symbols or renaming institutions in ways that erase earlier contributions may unintentionally deepen divisions rather than heal them.A more inclusive approach could allow the coexistence of historical and contemporary symbols. New monuments, institutions and streets can be created to honour modern heroes without necessarily erasing earlier historical markers. In this way, Namibia’s public landscape can reflect both its past and its present.Ultimately, the true challenge facing Namibia is not the symbolic renaming of institutions but the strengthening of their performance and contribution to national development. Public infrastructure should be judged by its ability to deliver services, promote economic growth and improve the lives of citizens.History, whether painful or proud, forms part of the foundation upon which the Namibian nation stands today. Preserving that history does not weaken the process of decolonisation. Rather, it strengthens national identity by acknowledging the full complexity of the country’s past.A nation that preserves its historical memory while building new achievements demonstrates both maturity and wisdom.

No credibility or honour in erasing another man's history

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-03-20

Please login to leave a comment

No credibility or honour in erasing another man's history

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-03-20

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content