Vice President Lucia Witbooi has handed over the Kaptein's House to the Baster community in Rehoboth. 

The building served as the residence of the late Baster leader, Hans Diergaardt, who died in 1998.

It was a joyful moment for the Rehoboth Baster community, as Vice President Witbooi showed off her skilful moves with the traditional langarm dance.

As the seat of the Kaptein, the House represented the authority, governance and political organisation of the Baster community. 

Decisions regarding social, legal, and political matters were historically made there.

Witbooi stated that the building symbolises the history, leadership, and dignity of the Rehoboth Baster community. Therefore, the community views its return as a restoration of rightful heritage and a correction of past injustices.

"This building, known to many as the Kaptain's House, is far more than a structure of stones and cement. It is a symbol of resilience, unity, and the glorious spirit of the Baster people. It was conceived, built, and maintained neither by an individual nor a distant authority, but by the collective will, resources, and labour of the Baster community."

The Kaptein's House was given over to the Namibian government during the transition period and was under the Ministry of Works. Its current occupants are government employees.

Lucia Witbooi added that, through this handover, the government demonstrates its commitment to upholding constitutional rights and recognising the cultural identity of the Baster people. 

Hardap Governor Charles McNab reflected on the cooperation between government and communities in preserving cultural sites. 

He called on residents to maintain the Kaptein's House as a public asset that represents community identity and collective responsibility.

"It is a symbol of the history, the leadership, and the dignity of the Rehoboth Baster community. It's returned to the community we saw as a piece of rightful heritage and corrects, to some degree, historical injustice. The government, by making this handover, demonstrates its commitment to upholding constitutional rights and the cultural identity of the Baster people. It is a step towards ensuring that all Namibians feel respected and included, especially in matters of traditional and land-invading ownership."

The town council also renamed Banhof Street, the main street that cuts across the suburb, to Kaptein Hans Diergardt.