“Nama commemorate genocide remembrance day at Shark Island

Apr 12, 2026

Nama people representing various sub-tribes of the Nama clan held a Genocide Remembrance Day, paying tribute and honouring their ancestors killed during the 1904-1908 genocide.

The commemoration, organised by the Nama Traditional Leaders Association was held at Shark Island in Luderitz.

A memorial procession, led by men on horseback set the tone for the commemoration.

Speaking on behalf of the association’s Chairperson Goab Dawid Hanse, Goab Hendrik Ismael Witbooi called for unity among the Nama people in pursuit for genocide reparations.

[…]

Goab Witbooi reiterated the call to government to recognise 12 April as a national Genocide Remembrance Day, arguing it is the day 1904 -1908 began at Hornkranz.

Government declared 28 May as Genocide Remembrance Day observed for the first time last year.

[…]

At the commemoration, themed ‘Hands off Shark Island’, participants formed a human chain demonstrating opposition to the planned expansion of the Luderitz port onto what they termed ‘sacred grounds’ of Shark Island.

[…]

The Ombara of Ovaherero Traditional Authority in the Okamatapati area, Rukambe Uazukuani and some German nationals also attended the commemoration.

[…]

German national Andrea Hahn said it was painful to witness the memories of Shark Island and surroundings.

“It touches my heart actually to see and feel what was done by my people,” she said.

[…].”

Editor’s note:

On 12 April 1893 the German Schutztruppe under commander Curt von Francois attacked Hornkranz / Hoornkrans west of Rehoboth. It was the settlement of Oorlam-Nama Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, who refused to accept German supremacy by signing a ‘Schutzvertrag’ (Protection Treaty). The German soldiers killed about 80 Witbooi Naman including dozens of women and children.

• Full report “Nama commemorate genocide remembrance day at Shark Island” on the website of the New Era (last checked in April 2026).

• See also the announcement of the event “Annual Genocide Memorial Walk 2026” in the ‘Events’ section of this website.

• See also the report “Call for port extension to be halted as genocide remains are found on Shark Island” from 8 May 2024 by The Namibian in the ‘Media Reports’ section of this website.

• See also the articles “1904 December 9 – Order to erect concentration camps” and “1908 May 28 – Concentration camps officially dissolved” in the ‘Namibia’s Past’ section of this website.