Who Was Namibia Colonised By? The Dark History Behind Its Past

The German Colonisation of Namibia

Namibia, known for its stunning deserts and diverse wildlife, has a complicated and often painful colonial history. But who was Namibia colonised by? Well, the first European power to colonise Namibia was Germany, which controlled the region for several decades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The period of German colonisation, which began in the 1880s, marked a dark chapter for the indigenous people of Namibia, particularly the Herero and Nama peoples.

In the 1880s, Germany was expanding its empire and sought to establish colonies in Africa. Namibia, which was then known as German South West Africa, was officially declared a German protectorate in 1884. Germany had been looking to expand its influence in Africa, and Namibia, with its strategic location and resources, was seen as an ideal addition to the German Empire.

The Herero and Nama Genocide

The Herero Revolt and the Bloody Aftermath

The most harrowing consequence of German colonisation was the Herero and Nama genocide. By 1904, tensions between the German settlers and the indigenous peoples had reached a breaking point. The Herero, led by Chief Samuel Maharero, revolted against German rule, a revolt that was brutally crushed by the German forces.

The German military, under the leadership of General Lothar von Trotha, responded to the revolt with extreme violence. The Herero people were driven into the vast Kalahari Desert, where thousands perished from starvation, disease, and dehydration. It’s estimated that over 80% of the Herero population was killed, and thousands of Nama people suffered similar fates.

It’s painful to think about this part of history. I remember discussing it with a friend who had spent time in Namibia, and he was struck by how little global awareness there is about this genocide. It’s not something people widely talk about, but it absolutely shaped the nation’s trajectory.

The Legacy of the Genocide

The scars of the genocide linger in Namibia to this day. The trauma suffered by the Herero and Nama peoples has never been fully acknowledged or addressed by Germany, and this has been a source of tension. Efforts for reparations and official recognition of the genocide have been ongoing, with some progress, but much more work remains to be done.

The End of German Rule and the South African Mandate

The Transition to South African Control

Following World War I, Germany’s defeat resulted in the loss of all its colonies. Namibia, or German South West Africa, was handed over to South Africa as a League of Nations mandate in 1919. This was a pivotal moment in Namibia’s history, as South Africa, under the authority of the apartheid regime, would continue to control Namibia for decades to come.

South Africa’s administration of Namibia was harsh, with policies that mirrored the segregation and racism of its own apartheid system. The indigenous populations continued to suffer under South African rule, enduring discrimination, land dispossession, and forced labor.

Independence and the Path to Freedom

Struggle for Independence

Namibia’s journey to independence was long and fraught with struggle. During the 20th century, movements like the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) fought for the country’s freedom. SWAPO’s armed struggle against South African rule, along with international pressure, eventually led to Namibia gaining independence in 1990, after more than a century of foreign domination.

I remember reading about the role of the United Nations in supporting Namibia’s path to independence. It was inspiring, honestly. The peaceful transition, despite the deep scars left by colonialism, remains a remarkable achievement for the people of Namibia.

Modern Namibia: A Complex Legacy

Today, Namibia is an independent and sovereign state, but the effects of colonialism are still visible. Issues like land redistribution, the recognition of indigenous rights, and the need for reparations for the atrocities committed during the colonial period remain pressing. The country’s colonial past is a painful memory that many Namibians still carry with them, even as they look forward to a brighter future.

Conclusion: The Impact of Colonisation on Namibia’s Identity

So, who was Namibia colonised by? Germany was the first European power to colonise Namibia, followed by South Africa after World War I. The brutal colonial legacy, particularly the Herero and Nama genocide, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history. While Namibia has made significant progress since gaining independence in 1990, the wounds of its colonial past are still healing.

The question of colonial responsibility, reparations, and recognition is an ongoing struggle. It’s frustrating, but it’s also crucial. Understanding the true history of Namibia’s colonisation is key to understanding its current challenges and its resilient path forward.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.