Africa-Press – Namibia. Dalene Kooper
LÜDERITZ – The Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) is calling on the government to block the mooted industrial activities on Shark Island in Lüderitz.
The NTLA held the annual genocide remembrance week at Lüderitz last week in honour of the genocide victims.
The theme for this year’s event, ‘Hands off Shark Island’, is calling on the government to halt any industrial activity plans.
NTLA coordinator Maboss Ortmann called for an immediate halt to any industrial development on Shark Island, describing the island as a “living cemetery” that must be preserved with dignity and respect.
The call comes amid increasing economic activity in the //Kharas region, including proposed oil and gas projects as well as green hydrogen developments.
However, Nama representatives say such developments must not come at the expense of historically sacred sites.
Ortman said that Shark Island holds deep historical and cultural significance to the Nama people as one of the sites where Nama and Herero people suffered and perished during the 1904-1908 genocide under German colonial rule.
“Shark Island is a living cemetery. People were horrifically killed there. Many were decapitated and others died from forced labour, hunger and exposure to harsh weather conditions,” he said.
He added that the environment itself, the ocean, strong winds and cold conditions were weaponised, contributing to the deaths of many victims.
“Most of them never received proper burials. Their remains lie beneath the rocks or were thrown into the ocean. That is why we say this place must be treated with the utmost respect,” he emphasised.
NTLA argues that industrial activity, which brings noise, movement and disruption, is a disturbance to the sanctity of the site.
“How do you establish industries in a burial place where our ancestors have not been laid to rest according to our customs?” he questioned.
The association is calling for consultation before any development decisions are taken.
“Stop and engage the Nama and Ovaherero people. Sit down and listen to what the affected communities want. Respect our culture and our history,” the coordinator said.
He further warned against prioritising economic gains over human dignity.
“You cannot measure the value of lives lost in monetary terms. Billions cannot replace the suffering of our people,” he said.
“Hands off Shark Island,” he said.
“Listen to the voices and the cries of those who are no longer here,” he remarked.
The organiser, George Vries, highlighted the events of the genocide and the need for awareness on the matter.
“It is important for us as a Nama community to come together in Lüderitz at Shark Island to remember how our ancestors were kept in the concentration camps as well as how they were slaughtered and raped,” Vries said.
He added that this year, they are educating communities and the youth, who will go ahead and inform the next generation.
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