Artefacts take over Kooitjie burial
The burial of the late Topnaar chief, Seth Kootjie, turned into a soapbox for traditional leaders and the return of the Witbooi artefacts.
The late Topnaar Chief Seth Madawab Kooitjie was buried at Soutrivier, about 125 km from Walvis Bay on Saturday afternoon. Kooitjie passed away on 24 January due to an asthma attack en-route to the hospital. He was 65.
He served as the Topnaar Traditional Authority Chief for 39 years, succeeding his father Esau Sanaseb Kootjie in 1980. Back then he was only 27 years old.
During his funeral various speakers from the traditional authorities and local ministries described him as a loyal, caring and visionary leader. He was described as an economic freedom fighter for his people, always looking for ways to improve the conditions of the Topnaar people.
He was also one of the founding members of the Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) and served as the chairperson until his death. During the memorial service on Thursday night, and again at the funeral the same message prevailed: that the Nama people should unite and choose a successor that will continue on his legacy.
Katrina Hanse Himarwa, minister of education said that the late chief was a strict, caring, honest and hardworking leader. “He stood up for his people and was always aggressive and angry at the right time for the right reasons. He would rather empower others than himself.”
She reiterated that the chief left unfinished projects and the Topnaar clan needs a visionary and strong leader to pick this up. “For the clan members, do not rush in trying to find a new leader. Take your time and follow the correct procedures.”
However, what was supposed to be a day of mourning for the family turned into a platform for traditional leaders to rant on the current repatriation of the artefacts of Chief Hendrik Witbooi and the ongoing New York Court Case on repatriations for the Nama and Ovaherero genocide of 1904-08.
Chief Vekuii Ruukoro of the Ovaherero traditional authority along with Chief Petrus Simon Moses Kooper, the vice-chairperson of the NTLA, accused government of unlawful discrimination and violation of law by trying to keep the artefacts of Witbooi as state property. The duo shared the same sentiments that the artefacts should be returned to the Nama, as was done in the case of the Ombalantu ritual stone which was returned to the Ombalantu traditional authority in 2014.
Kooper further said that about seven Nama traditional authorities are not recognised due to 'unresolved disputes' amongst each other. “Use the customary laws in place to settle disputes accordingly among traditional leaders.”
Hanse-Himarwa emphasised that there is a need for unity amongst the traditional authorities.
“As a child of the Nama, there is a need for peace, unity and progress amongst our traditional authorities. We cannot expect progress when there is no love or respect amongst each other. It is outdated, unfashionable and boring to witness the endless squabbles within the tribes.”
In addition, she explained that Chief Hendrik Witbooi's bible and whip will be returned to Namibia by the German government later this month. On 27 February the ministry and a delegation from Germany will make a symbolic visit to Hornkranz. The day after, a procession will head from Windhoek to Gibeon, through Rehoboth, Kalkrand and Mariental. These artefacts will travel to Gibeon on 1 March, where it will be officially handed over to President Hage Geingob. A certified copy of the bible will also be handed over to a designated elder in the Witbooi clan. Government plans to build a Hendrik Witbooi memorial museum where the original documents and other artifacts will be on show.
Leandrea Louw
He served as the Topnaar Traditional Authority Chief for 39 years, succeeding his father Esau Sanaseb Kootjie in 1980. Back then he was only 27 years old.
During his funeral various speakers from the traditional authorities and local ministries described him as a loyal, caring and visionary leader. He was described as an economic freedom fighter for his people, always looking for ways to improve the conditions of the Topnaar people.
He was also one of the founding members of the Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) and served as the chairperson until his death. During the memorial service on Thursday night, and again at the funeral the same message prevailed: that the Nama people should unite and choose a successor that will continue on his legacy.
Katrina Hanse Himarwa, minister of education said that the late chief was a strict, caring, honest and hardworking leader. “He stood up for his people and was always aggressive and angry at the right time for the right reasons. He would rather empower others than himself.”
She reiterated that the chief left unfinished projects and the Topnaar clan needs a visionary and strong leader to pick this up. “For the clan members, do not rush in trying to find a new leader. Take your time and follow the correct procedures.”
However, what was supposed to be a day of mourning for the family turned into a platform for traditional leaders to rant on the current repatriation of the artefacts of Chief Hendrik Witbooi and the ongoing New York Court Case on repatriations for the Nama and Ovaherero genocide of 1904-08.
Chief Vekuii Ruukoro of the Ovaherero traditional authority along with Chief Petrus Simon Moses Kooper, the vice-chairperson of the NTLA, accused government of unlawful discrimination and violation of law by trying to keep the artefacts of Witbooi as state property. The duo shared the same sentiments that the artefacts should be returned to the Nama, as was done in the case of the Ombalantu ritual stone which was returned to the Ombalantu traditional authority in 2014.
Kooper further said that about seven Nama traditional authorities are not recognised due to 'unresolved disputes' amongst each other. “Use the customary laws in place to settle disputes accordingly among traditional leaders.”
Hanse-Himarwa emphasised that there is a need for unity amongst the traditional authorities.
“As a child of the Nama, there is a need for peace, unity and progress amongst our traditional authorities. We cannot expect progress when there is no love or respect amongst each other. It is outdated, unfashionable and boring to witness the endless squabbles within the tribes.”
In addition, she explained that Chief Hendrik Witbooi's bible and whip will be returned to Namibia by the German government later this month. On 27 February the ministry and a delegation from Germany will make a symbolic visit to Hornkranz. The day after, a procession will head from Windhoek to Gibeon, through Rehoboth, Kalkrand and Mariental. These artefacts will travel to Gibeon on 1 March, where it will be officially handed over to President Hage Geingob. A certified copy of the bible will also be handed over to a designated elder in the Witbooi clan. Government plans to build a Hendrik Witbooi memorial museum where the original documents and other artifacts will be on show.
Leandrea Louw
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