Genocide Day, A Step Forward
The formal commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day is a step in the right direction. It is a long overdue national acknowledgement of the thousands of Ovaherero and Nama people exterminated by German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908, in what is widely held to be the first genocide of the 20th century. While there are […] The post Genocide Day, A Step Forward appeared first on The Namibian.
Black News 
The formal commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day is a step in the right direction.
It is a long overdue national acknowledgement of the thousands of Ovaherero and Nama people exterminated by German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908, in what is widely held to be the first genocide of the 20th century.
While there are concerns about the way in which the day is marked, it should not overshadow the bigger picture of a restorative process.
That process is poorly served by those who would weaponise the genocide for political gain.
Some politicians have done exactly that, turning a sacred cause into a platform for self-interest and attacking German descendants for the sins of their forefathers.
This is neither just nor useful. A child does not inherit the guilt of an ancestor.
Germans born on this soil are Namibians.
They are our neighbours, our colleagues, our family.
We should embrace this day for what it can become, not sow division.
As kaptein Hendrik Witbooi said as he lay dying near Vaalgras in October 1905: “Dit is nou genoeg.
Met my is dit verby. Nou sal die kinders kan rus.” (It is enough. It is over for me. The children should now have rest).
The post Genocide Day, A Step Forward appeared first on The Namibian.
