Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties on Tuesday continued to express their support in the National Assembly for a motion to establish a Genocide Memorial Museum to honour those who died at the hands of German invading forces during the 1904-08 Herero-Nama genocide.
National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) secretary general and MP, Joseph Kauandenge tabled the motion in the National Assembly a month ago. He motivated that such a museum would be important to remember and honour those who died as a result of the extermination orders issued by German Schutztruppe commander, General Lothar von Trotha.
Some MPs such as Popular Democratic Movement’s Vipuakuje Muharukua said there is nothing that should stop the country from honouring those who perished during this era, adding that he is pained that this part of history is not taught in schools.
“Not only are we not teaching what happened in those events in our schools, but nowhere in meaningful terms do we depict that event. Action speaks louder than words,” he said, noting that a museum would help restore the dignity of the victims.
Contributing to the motion Swapo Party MP Tobie Aupindi said the decision to establish the genocide museum should be taken now rather than the matter having to be referred to a committee.
“What is this committee going to find out that we don’t know about for the past 120 years?” he asked.
He said the genocide museum will bring dignity to those who have fallen in the quest for the long and bitter struggle against imperialist Germany.
“These are the heroes who gave their first sacrifice, ensuring that the path was paved for future generations to unite and fight in order to end colonial oppression and attain genuine independence,” Aupindi stated.
He added that the responsibilities of bringing and recording history lies in the hands of all Namibians, particularly the young generation.
He said since independence many good initiatives have gone towards the recognition of the country’s heroes and heroines from the German colonial period.
Aupindi listed that heroes such as Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi were honoured with appearing on Namibia’s banknotes, the Swakopmund Genocide Museum was established, and the first nine tombs at Heroes’ Acre were dedicated to heroes such as Kahimemua Nguvauva, Nehalem Lya Mpingana, Samuel Maharero, Hendrik Witbooi and Jacob Morenga.
Source: NAMPA