Inaugural Genocide Remembrance Day – Official Event

Programme by the Government of the Republic of Namibia:

Inaugural Genocide Remembrance Day (1904-1908)

Date & Time: 28 May 2025, 08:00 to 11:30

Venue: Parliament Gardens, in front of the parliament building (former ‘Tinten-Palast’), Windhoek

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Genocide Remembrance Day is a national observance dedicated to honouring the memory of the victims of the 1904-1908 genocide perpetrated against OvaHerero and Nama communities during German colonial rule in Namibia.

The establishment of this day followed a motion introduced in the National Assembly in 2016, which led to o nationwide consultation process undertaken between 2017 and 2020. These consultations, led by Parliament, engaged communities across the country, particularly the affected communities, in identifying a day of national significance that would serve to unify the nation in remembrance.

As a result of this inclusive process, 28 May was proposed and received widespread support. The date holds deep historical significance, marking the day in 1907 when the German colonial authorities ordered the closure of concentration camps. This event brought on end to the systematic and brutal killings, forced displacement, starvation and immense suffering endured by the OvaHerero and Nama peoples. During this tragic chapter in Namibia’s history, tens of thousands of men, women and children were brutally killed.

In response to the recommendation of Parliament, the Government of the Republic of Namibia officially proclaimed 28 May as Genocide Remembrance Day, symbolising both solemn remembrance and the beginning of a national journey of healing.

In 2024, His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba, then President of the Republic of Namibia, declared 28 May a national public holiday, to honour those who lost their lives and to reaffirm the nation’s collective commitment to remembrance. In accordance with the Public Holidays Act. 1990 (Act No. 26 of 1990), the date was declared a public holiday with effect from 28 May 2025.

Genocide Remembrance Day serves as a moment of national reflection and mourning, and as a reaffirmation of our enduring commitment to justice, healing and unity, for the present and for generations to come.”

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08h00 – Arrival of the Media

08h30 – Arrival of the Public

08h40 – Arrival of the Service Chiefs

08h50 – Arrival of Cllr. Ndeshihafela Larandja, Mayor of the City of Windhoek and other Mayors

09h00 – Arrival of the Diplomatic Corps

09h10 – Arrival of Hon. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma, Governor of the Khomas Region and other Governors

09h15 – Arrival of Gaob Immanuel | Gaseb. Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Authority and other Traditional Leaders

09h20 – Arrival of Hon. Ministers and Members of Parliament

09h25 – Arrival of Hon. Natangwe Ithete, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy

09h30 – Arrival of His Lordship Peter Shivute, Chief Justice

09h35 – Arrival of Hon. Lukas Sinimbo-Muha, Chairperson of the National Council

09h40 – Arrival of Hon. Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Speaker of the National Assembly

09h45 – Arrival of Rt. Hon. Dr Elijah Ngurare, Prime Minister

09h50 – Arrival of H.E. Lucia Witbooi, Vice President

09h55 – Arrival of H.E. Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia and Commander-in-Chief of the Namibian Defence Force and Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Ndaitwah, Spouse

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10h05 – Remarks by the Director of Ceremonies

– Candlelight and a Minute of Silence

10h10 – Scripture Reading and Prayer by Rev. Lorenst Raonga Kuzatjike, Macedonia Parish

10h15 – Remarks by H.E. Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia

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10h45 – Closing Remarks by Hon. Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Speaker of the National Assembly

11h00 – Announcement by the Director of Ceremonies

11h10 – Closing Prayer by Rev. Lorenst Raonga Kuzatjike, Macedonia Parish

11h20 – AU and National Anthems

11h30 END OF THE PROGRAMME

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H.E. The President and Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Ndaitwah

H.E. The Vice President

Rt. Hon. Prime Minister

Hon. Deputy Prime Minister

Other Dignitaries

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• See also the report “Parliament proposes ‘genocide remembrance day'” by the Namibian on Swanu President Usutuaije Maamberua’s motion in parliament to commemorate the OvaHerero and Nama genocide 1904 – 1908 on 28 May

 

• See also the article “1908 May 28 – Concentration camps officially dissolved” in the ‘Namibia’s Past’ section of this website