Ovambanderu commemorate their heroes: 14 - 16 June

In Okahandja, Ovambanderu heroes rest: Nicodemus Kahimemua, fondly referred to as Hijakungairi, Munjuku II Nguvauva, Karaerua Kilus Munjuku III Nguvauva; and Peter Kati Nguvauva.Supreme among these is Hijakungairi. He was executed by the intruder German forces on 12 June 1896 along with Mbahahiza Nikodemus Kavikunua, who is interred in Okahandja but at another funeral site.During the German campaign in South West Africa at that time, German soldiers would confiscate Ovambanderu cattle near Gobabis. During one of these exercises, a senior German officer by the name of Lampe was killed, which fuelled tensions. Conscious of the looming German reprisals, the Ovambanderu cleared the area and retreated northward to a place called Otjunda.The German forces tracked them, and within a few days, war broke out between the Germans and the Ovambanderu.Two of Chief Kahimemua&#039;s sons, Kungairi and Tuvirire, fell in this exchange. Hijakungairi managed to slip through the rear guard and spent the night at Omukuruvaro near present-day Otjozondjima in Epukiro, along with his son Hijatuvao Nguvauva and some followers.The following morning, Hijakungairi invoked traditional rituals, through which he dispatched Hijatuvao to Bechuanaland – as it was known at the time – with the Ovambanderu around him, conscious that others would follow suit in due course.Following this, Hijakungairi sent one of his envoys to alert the Germans of his whereabouts. Determined to avoid any further skirmishes with the German forces, he handed himself over to the German troops, who forced him to walk on foot to Okahandja, tied to the neck of a horse, over a distance of 300 kilometres.A few days later, Hijakungairi was executed thief-dog style in Okahandja. This event sparked the subsequent emotional commemorations for the Ovambanderu.Remembrance Traditionally, the high priests of the nation (Ozondangere) arrive in Okahandja a few days earlier to establish a presence and alert the forebears that the nation is ready to pay homage.Then, on Friday and Saturday, the nation gathers in Okahandja, and on Sunday, the main commemorations take place. Starting early in the morning at the Ovambanderu Commando, the nation marches to the graves, which are about four kilometres away from the commando.Once everyone has gathered, the high priests, who are senior among them, present the mourners to the forebears, followed by a solemn viewing by all present.After the proceedings, the mourners return to the commando for traditional activities, notably foot drills by the troops, backed by mounted traditional soldiers on horseback, mixed with Ombimbi; Ondoro.The formal programme then starts, in which the guests of the high table address the crowds, culminating in the message of the main guest of the day. The day concludes with great, big meals.

Ovambanderu commemorate their heroes: 14 - 16 June

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Ovambanderu commemorate their heroes: 14 - 16 June

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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