22 Feb 2022

 Kgosi Charles Cooper of Nama ward in Hukuntsi has implored Nama communities across the world to maintain bilateral relations with the government of Germany.
Kgosi Cooper made the call during a recent courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Botswana, Ms Margit Hellwig-Botte.
Nama people, who are descendants of the Khoi-Khoi, originate from Namibia and came to settle in Botswana in the early 1900s then spread to other parts of Southern Africa in search of land and freedom after the eruption of war with the Germans.
He, however, said although many improbable events occurred such as loss of lives, loss of fertile land and displacement of families, through various deliberations, some agreements were reached between Germany and Namibia governments.
He, therefore, emphasised that the new generations should not harbour any grudges against the current government of Germany.
“I appeal to you all to bury the hatchet and pave way for fruitful deliberations,” he said.
He expressed hope that through the joint harmonisation with the German embassy, the community would benefit from the cordial relations. siting the embassy’s erection of a monument at the burial site of Simon! Gomxab Kooper, who led the Nama community from Namibia to Botswana during the uprise with the Colonial Germany.
He expressed gratitude for Botswana government’s ‘unwavering support’ in  assimilating the Nama people into its territories as they fled from the snares of their rivals.
“I am proud to say we are Batswana and we will continue to uphold the rules and principles of this country,” he said.
For her part, Ms Hellwig-Botte indicated that they sought to deliberate on open negotiations pertaining to community development.
She, therefore, pleaded with the com munity to find a common ground, to allow smooth discussions on societal issues in a harmonious manner.
She also informed them that the embassy was solely dedicated to issues pertaining to  issues affecting the Nama community in Botswana, adding that other international matters would be deliberated by concerned consulates engaged in those countries.
Earlier on when giving objectives of the visit, BW Nama Development Trust representative, Mr Nichodimas Cooper said the community trust was tasked with uniting  members of the greater Nama community and other stakeholders with a common purpose of promoting their indigenous culture.
He also said they aimed to engage local and international communities to enhance and promote cultural diversity.
During the same event, the German Embassy donated soccer balls and stationery to Lokgwabe Primary School. ENDS