24 Nov 2013

A group of people from the Baherero and Ovanderu tribes have indicated that they wish to be repatriated back to their homeland of Namibia.

Government was reportedly waiting for an update from the Ngamiland leadership regarding the issue. So far, district commissioner, Ms Bernadette Malala has held several kgotla meetings to solicit reasons from the concerned group regarding their relocation.

Ms Malala said she received a letter last month from a committee named Phudugo ya Baherero le Ovanderu. She said about 259 people from Nokaneng, Habu, Tsau, Semboyo, Makakung, Kareng, Bothatogo, Toteng, Sehithwa, Bodibeng, Komana and Chanoga had requested government to give them permission to relocate to Namibia where their forefathers and ancestors originated.

“We followed the right channels and informed cabinet and relevant permanent secretaries. It was resolved that the district leadership should find out reasons for the planned relocation and advise government accordingly,” she said.

Ms Malala said the committee did not state any reasons why they wanted to be repatriated, but added that the committee felt it was time to retrace their roots back to their home country. The Ngamiland District has a sizable population of Baherero and Ovanderu who migrated from Namibia a century ago to escape genocide in their homeland.

The chairperson of the committee Mr Justice Muinjo said they found refuge in Botswana in 1904 and had since enjoyed peace and equal treatment like any other Batswana. He said no one forced them to relocate.  “We do not have any problem with the government and we lived here peacefully. But it’s time for us to go back home,” he said. ENDS