Nine years ago, on the 26th of April, then Swanu MP Usutuaije Maamberua rose in the National Assembly to propose a historic motion to declare the 28th of May as National Genocide Remembrance Day. 

nbc News revisits the archives to reflect on the discussions and contributions made by members of the August House.   

After the mover of the motion, Swanu MP Usutuaije Maamberua, concluded in about 23 minutes of his motivational speech, several MPs added their views. 

First to contribute was a visibly emotional Swapo MP, Ida Hoffman. 

"We must handle this issue with dignity and respect. This case is a case which is older than many of us sitting here. And I believe many outside also because it is a case which is 111 years old from the side of the Hereros and also from the side of the Namas, 110 years old. That's why I say let's handle it with respect. Maybe for others it sounds like nothing, but it is for us a holy case; it is a noble and sacred case, and based on that, it is my request to let us handle it with dignity and respect."

Next up was then Deputy Speaker Loide Kasingo, who proposed that "This motion goes to a relevant committee, and when we come back, we can come back to debate."

PDM Leader McHenry Venaani thanked his cousin and the Swanu leader for proposing the motion and the way in which he presented it. 

He narrated the bravery of a warrior named Kakungirue Kauandje, who served as a lieutenant in Samuel Maharero's Red Flag Army and was captured by the colonial German army and placed in a concentration camp.

"The Germans came to him looking for Samuel Maharero and his whereabouts, and his participation in the battle. The German soldier with the name Erkenberher asked him, 'Where were you on the day of Otjiombo? Where were you on the day of Kandjira? Where were you on the day of Ohamakari and the many battles?' And he replied, 'Where else would I have been? I was the lieutenant of Samuel Maharero. I was there. I was in combat. I killed you. Because you took away my land and my people'." 

Salmon Fleermuys, who was a Workers Revolutionary Party MP at that time, also rose in support of the motion.

"I support the motion because it's been a painful issue for my people all these years. My people have been second class; they are voiceless because of their numbers, and of course I thank Honourable Maamberua that he asked for this motion to be given to a relevant committee so that they can go to the people who are affected by that genocide."

Swapo Party MP Maureen Hinda Mbuende reflected on the legacy of Jacob Marengo, who organised the last anti-colonial resistance against South African occupation with a formidable band of a modern guerrilla army.

"I am thinking of the struggle that was fought by Jacob Marenga, who was feared, in fact, respected. He was respected by his enemy because he was an outstanding soldier who fought in the first guerrilla warfare and, of course, by Abraham Morris."

Sacky Shanghala was the then Attorney General. He appreciated the motion.

"Let me thank the honourable Maamberua for a well-presented and well-articulated presentation of genocide."

Namibia's first commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day will be held on Wednesday in the Parliament Gardens.