Kaptein of the Rehoboth Baster Community, Jacky Britz, has called on the government to recognise the 1915 Battle of Sam !Khubis.

Many Baster people died after facing the unforgiving wrath of the German colonial regime.

As the sun rose over the mountain tops at Sam !Khubis, the Baster community got ready to visit the graves of their fallen heroes, those whose blood was shed on May 8, some 109 years ago.

The mountains were a refuge for many, and historians, among them Kaptein Jacky Britz, narrate that the brave fighters were outnumbered and did not stand a chance against the German troops and their artillery.

"The women and children were in the middle, surrounded by the ox wagons of the men who had guns; the gun could only fire one shot at a time. The Germans came from the east over the mountains, and with them they carried cannons and what they called Maxims, and those were machine guns, so in terms of the weapons, you could not compare."

The history of the Baster is rich, says the Kaptein, and it deserves to be recognised and made part of the history books of Namibia.

Britz does not share this sentiment alone, as those who have travelled to commemorate the day agree with him.

Kaptein Britz says the Baster community feels that they are second citizens of the Land of the Brave, a community that he says feels left out in terms of history.

"The battle of Sam !Khubis was the contribution by the Rehoboth Basters to this country's independence, and it is regrettable that this is not recognised, it is time that recognition is given to each and every group; it does not matter how small that group is; there are also individuals from the Baster community who immensely contributed."

The Kaptein led his community to the grave site, where wreaths were laid, followed by a gun salute to honour the fallen heroes.

The commemoration was concluded with a church service, with speakers calling for youth involvement in cultural and historic activities.