An alleged proposal by Windhoek's Principal of Auas Primary School to remove the KhoeKhoeGowab language from the curriculum has sparked widespread outrage on social media.

KhoeKhoeGowab is predominantly spoken by the Damara/Nama community.

The principal has been accused of attempting to erase the language, which has been a cornerstone of the community's cultural identity, raising fears of extinction.

Social activist Sade Gawa!nas and the Damara Kings Council have both condemned the alleged proposal.

Gawa!nas described it as an attack on the community's cultural heritage.

In her personal capacity, Gawa!nas also issued a statement saying, "KhoeKhoeGowab is more than just a language. It is the heartbeat of our people, the vessel of our stories, and a pillar of who we are. Erasing it from our children's learning spaces is an act of cultural erasure that cannot and will not be tolerated."

The Damara Kings Council issued a statement undersigned by Bebe Huseb, calling it part of a troubling pattern of marginalizing indigenous languages.

The statement reads, "We strongly condemn the recent decision to remove KhoeKhoeGowab as a language subject from the curriculum at Auas Primary School in Katutura. These actions reflect a troubling pattern that disproportionately affects the majority Damara community and undermines our cultural identity."

While the principal has still not publicly commented on the accusations, the Ministry of Education has confirmed that it is investigating the matter.