Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr Sanet Steenkamp, said genocide remembrance must be treated as a national responsibility anchored in unity, justice and historical truth, as Namibia commemorated Genocide Remembrance Day in the Oshana Region.
Speaking at the national commemoration, Dr Steenkamp said the day honours the victims of the 1904–1908 genocide committed against the Ovaherero and Nama people under German colonial rule, while also recognising the resilience and resistance that helped shape Namibia’s liberation struggle.
She said the occasion calls on all Namibians to confront history with honesty and dignity, stressing that “the pain of one part of the nation ultimately becomes the pain of the entire nation.”
Dr Steenkamp highlighted the importance of preserving historical truth through education, cultural preservation and youth empowerment, saying schools and institutions must ensure young people understand the country’s past while being guided towards ethical leadership and respect for human dignity.
“Education must empower young people with historical understanding, ethical leadership and respect for human dignity,” she said.
The Minister urged young people to reject hatred, discrimination and division, and instead become champions of peace, unity and nation-building.
She added that remembrance should inspire healing and reconciliation, saying, “May remembrance bring healing. May truth strengthen reconciliation. May history guide our wisdom. And may unity remain our enduring legacy.”
Dr Steenkamp said the commemoration also honours those who resisted colonial oppression and contributed to Namibia’s eventual independence, noting that their courage laid the foundation for national unity and resilience.
Earlier in the day, the Minister visited the shrine of the late Omukwaniilwa Kambonde kaMpingana, where she, together with Oshana Governor Hofni Ipinge and Ondonga Traditional Authority Chairperson John Walenga, laid a wreath in honour of his leadership and legacy.
The late Omukwaniilwa is remembered for his role during the colonial period, including mobilising support during the early stages of resistance against German forces.
The Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration continues to serve as a national platform for reflection, education and unity, bringing together government leaders, traditional authorities, and citizens across Namibia.
Photos: Ministry of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture
