The 111th Sam !Khubis commemoration started in Rehoboth with tributes to the Baster community’s resistance against German colonial forces.
Staff Reporter THE 111th Sam !Khubis commemoration officially commenced in Rehoboth on Thursday, with members of the Rehoboth Baster community gathering to honour the courage and sacrifices of their ancestors who resisted German colonial forces during the historic Battle of Sam !Khubis on 8 May 1915.. Day one of the commemoration concluded with a Gelofte Diens held at the Hermanus van Wyk Community Hall, followed by a church service at the Paulus Congregation.. Proceedings also
included the lowering of the Mourning Flag, the raising of the Namibian and Rehoboth Baster flags, the lighting of the ceremonial torch and the recitation of the Gelofte.. Community members later gathered at the Old Kapteinsboom before departing for the Sam !Khubis terrain, situated approximately 80 kilometres south-west of Rehoboth, where the annual commemoration continues.. The Sam !Khubis site remains a place of deep historical and cultural significance for the Rehoboth Baster community.. The battle,
fought on 8 May 1915, saw Baster fighters make a desperate stand against the German colonial army after taking refuge at their final stronghold at Sam !Khubis.. The survival of the outnumbered Baster community is widely regarded by many within the community as an act of divine intervention, making the battle a symbol of faith, unity and identity that continues to be commemorated annually.. Organisers said the commemoration serves as a tribute to the bravery
of the Baster people and their struggle for freedom and justice.. The event also celebrated Namibia’s cultural diversity and unity, with community members reflecting on the importance of preserving history while promoting national unity and shared prosperity.. “Namibia at its best with its beautiful diverse cultures makes us unique and the strongest united nation that can turn challenges into opportunities for economic prosperity.. One Namibia, One Nation,” organisers said.. Photo: Heather Erdmann
Sam !Khubis commemoration, Rehoboth Baster, Battle of Sam !Khubis, German colonial forces, Gelofte Diens, Namibia unity