A group of genocide victims' descendants from the !Gai||naxas area in the Berseba Constituency has arrived in Windhoek ahead of Namibia’s first official Genocide Remembrance Day, set for May 28.
They say the event is a long-overdue step toward healing historic wounds and fostering unity, particularly between the Nama and Ovaherero peoples, who suffered devastating losses during the 1904–1908 genocide.
The group hopes the commemoration will become a national platform for mourning, reflection, and dialogue.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Fritz |Hochobeb highlighted the ongoing effects of the genocide, which he said include deep divisions, loss of identity, and a lack of unity within and between the affected communities.
"What we are trying to do now as we declare this 28 May as a public holiday and as a day for the genocide victims is we want to see how we can unite these two groups, the Nama and Ovaherero," he said.
|Hochobeb stressed the need for a "sincere apology" from Germany, the former colonial power responsible for the genocide.
"The greatest thing that we are crying for – there must be a sincere apology from the internationals. The Germans have to come back and sincerely apologise to these communities for what they have done so that we will feel that genuine apology," he said.
He added that unity among the affected groups is crucial as negotiations between Germany and Namibia continue.
"As we are concluding this whole issue, we have to stand together as Namas and Hereros and support the VP and her team so that at the end of the day it's about the communities that are affected. So let's try to unite ourselves first and understand and know what we want from the process that is going on," |Hochobeb said.
The group believes that May 28 marks a milestone in Namibia's journey toward reconciliation and justice. They are hopeful the day will inspire renewed cultural pride and solidarity among all Namibians.
"It is a significant day, a day remarkable for all of us; we travelled for this day, and we believe that this day shall be productive; it shall be fruitful, and all the Namibians, whoever comes, will enjoy the productivity of this day," said |Hochobeb.