Commemoration ceremonies to mark 109 years of the battle of Sam !Khubis are underway in Rehoboth and its surroundings.
People of Rehoboth annually come together to commemorate events of May 8, 1915, when an under-siege Baster community fought German colonial troops and prayed for divine intervention to be saved from possible extermination.
During today's events in Rehoboth, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the commemoration of such events displays a sense of national pride, pointing out that such events should be taught in schools.
More than a century ago, the Baster community, which refused to take up arms against the indigenous communities of Namibia, was under siege and had to flee their homes in the then-Rehoboth Gebiet to an enclosure named Sam !Khubis, some 80 kilometres south-west of the town.
On their way to Sam !Khubis, women, children, and men died at the hands of pursuing German troops. Those who made it found shelter in the enclosure.
The battle of Sam !Khubis ensued, and casualties were suffered on both sides. But the outnumbered community, both in artillery and human power, realised the impending doom. They prayed to God to save them, leading to the withdrawal of the German troops. In return, the community vowed to God to always honour May 8 as a Sunday.
Vice President Nandi-Ndaitwah attended the church service in honour of those who perished some 109 years ago.
"Today we are here to commemorate the bravery and heroism of the Baster community who fought in the Battle of Sam !Khubis. This courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us to uphold the values of our national independence, such as justice and self-determination. Director of Ceremonies, the theme for today, Let There Be Freedom, carries a very significant message to us, particularly at this time."
She said Namibia can tell and commemorate its history, which is an important contribution to the country's efforts at nation-building.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah also noted that a nation without a history is not a nation, while emphasising the need to keep history alive.
She called on the Baster community to robustly play its part in the area of nation-building and economic development.
"Yes, as individuals and collectively, we are faced with many challenges. However, individually and collectively, with the right mind and attitude, we will be able to overcome them. Over the years, particularly since independence, we have achieved a lot in terms of social and economic development. For example, over 95% of our children have no access to education. Distances to health and educational facilities have been shortened. The number of communities that have access to electricity and potable water has drastically increased. And notwithstanding the high unemployment rate in the country, many people got employment both in the public and private sectors, ensuring our democracy, peace, and stability in our country."
Ahead of tomorrow's celebrations, the Vice President also visited the 'Kapteins Boom', a place where the community gathered for meetings addressed by the Baster leader.
She, accompanied by Kaptein of the Rehoboth Basters, Jackey Britz, and the Hardap governor, Salomon April, also witnessed the lighting of a symbolic flame, which signifies the commencement of the Sam !Khubis commemorations.
Niklaas 'Tier' Van Wyk, commander of the horse parade for the Sam !Khubis 109th commemoration at Rehoboth, highlighted the preparedness of his team.
Van Wyk also stressed the importance of involving youth in significant historical activities.
Tomorrow's activities will be held at the Sam !Khubis terrain, where those in attendance will publicly renew the vow their forefathers made on May 8, 1915.