Placido Hilukilwa
A CHAIN of commemorative events leading up to the unveiling at Namutoni of a new memorial stone for Ondonga warriors who fell in battle against German soldiers 118 years ago, kicked off this morning.
King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo of the Ondonga Traditional Authority is expected to arrive at Onayena in the Oshikoto Region this afternoon, where he and his entourage will visit and pay homage at the grave of late King Nehale Lya Mpingana of Eastern Ondonga, who at the dawn of the 20th century ordered the attack against German soldiers at the Namutoni Fort.
From Onayena, Omukwaniilwa Nangolo’s entourage will travel to the Omadhiya village where a camp will be set up for the night.
Saturday’s proceedings at Namutoni will be blessed with the presence of President Hage Geingob, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, and other senior politicians, traditional and church leaders as well as prominent figures of the Ondonga Traditional Community.
President Geingob will deliver the keynote address, while other speakers include historian Shali Kamati who will present King Nehale Lya Mpingana’s biography.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology Dr Peya Mushelenga and veteran radio presenter Angula Ndjembo will recount the battle of 28 January 1904.
Founding President Sam Nujoma, King Nangolo and Chief Herman Iipumbu of Uukwambi will also deliver statements before Vice-president Nangolo Mbumba introduces the keynote speaker, Geingob, who will also hand over Heroic Traditional Awards to the families of the fallen Ondonga warriors.
