Windhoek renames Feld Strasse in honour of Sir Seretse Khama
Feld Street in central Windhoek has been officially renamed Sir Seretse Khama Street in honour of Botswana’s founding president last Thursday.
The ceremony was attended by Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Botswana’s President Advocate Duma Boko, and former Botswana president Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the renaming recognised Sir Seretse Khama’s enduring role in supporting Namibia during its liberation struggle and his contribution to regional cooperation. “When the Namibian people suffered under German imperial rule, Botswana gave us refuge. This tribute pays homage to a leader whose solidarity and leadership continue to inspire across Southern Africa,” she said
She noted that the decision followed a proposal from the Maharero Traditional Authority and was approved through a national consultation process.
The president added that the event coincided with the Botswana–Namibia Binational Commission, which is meeting this week in Windhoek to discuss cooperation on regional integration and development.
Former President Ian Khama said the gesture reflected the deep friendship between the two countries.
“This street is more than a name upon a signpost. It symbolises the ideals that guided my father’s footsteps — freedom, dignity, unity, and self-determination,” he said.
Ties that bind
President Duma Boko described the renaming as a continuation of the historical ties linking the peoples of Namibia and Botswana.
“The ties that bind us are not only political but familial. Our ancestors are connected across these lands, and our people share a common heritage,” he said.
The new street intersects with Julius Nyerere Street, named after Tanzania’s founding president.
President Boko said the junction represented a meeting of two influential African leaders whose legacies shaped post-independence Southern Africa.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the renaming reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to cooperation with Botswana.
“By situating his name at the heart of our capital, we reaffirm the bonds that tie our two nations and our commitment to work together as partners,” she said.
The ceremony concluded with a joint call from both governments to uphold the principles of peace, democracy, and regional unity that Sir Seretse Khama championed.
The ceremony was attended by Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Botswana’s President Advocate Duma Boko, and former Botswana president Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the renaming recognised Sir Seretse Khama’s enduring role in supporting Namibia during its liberation struggle and his contribution to regional cooperation. “When the Namibian people suffered under German imperial rule, Botswana gave us refuge. This tribute pays homage to a leader whose solidarity and leadership continue to inspire across Southern Africa,” she said
She noted that the decision followed a proposal from the Maharero Traditional Authority and was approved through a national consultation process.
The president added that the event coincided with the Botswana–Namibia Binational Commission, which is meeting this week in Windhoek to discuss cooperation on regional integration and development.
Former President Ian Khama said the gesture reflected the deep friendship between the two countries.
“This street is more than a name upon a signpost. It symbolises the ideals that guided my father’s footsteps — freedom, dignity, unity, and self-determination,” he said.
Ties that bind
President Duma Boko described the renaming as a continuation of the historical ties linking the peoples of Namibia and Botswana.
“The ties that bind us are not only political but familial. Our ancestors are connected across these lands, and our people share a common heritage,” he said.
The new street intersects with Julius Nyerere Street, named after Tanzania’s founding president.
President Boko said the junction represented a meeting of two influential African leaders whose legacies shaped post-independence Southern Africa.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the renaming reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to cooperation with Botswana.
“By situating his name at the heart of our capital, we reaffirm the bonds that tie our two nations and our commitment to work together as partners,” she said.
The ceremony concluded with a joint call from both governments to uphold the principles of peace, democracy, and regional unity that Sir Seretse Khama championed.
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