…calls grow for colonial-era names to make way for Namibian history
By Elvis Muraranganda
The growing call to replace colonial-era names on streets, towns, public institutions and other landmarks with those of Namibian heroes and heroines is gaining political momentum, with leaders and analysts agreeing that public spaces should increasingly reflect the country’s own history.
Although some local authorities have already undertaken a number of street renaming since independence, including changes in Windhoek and other towns prominent Namibian leaders and analysts, the debate, however, is not simply about replacing one name with another but about who gets remembered, whose contribution is placed in the public consciousness and what future generations learn from the names they encounter every day.
Political analyst Sakaria Johannes said the push for renaming responds to a growing demand for symbolic decolonisation and could help reclaim public spaces in honour of liberation heroes.
“The decision between fast-tracking the renaming of colonial-era street names or adopting a cautious approach hinges on balancing historical redress with social cohesion. Fast-tracking responds directly to growing public demands for symbolic decolonisation, helping cement national dignity and reclaim public spaces in honour of Namibia’s liberation heroes,” Johaness said.
He cautioned, however, that the process should not become arbitrary or politically driven.
“Accelerating this process without robust public engagement risks politicising name selections, alienating regional communities, and imposing sudden administrative and logistical costs on local businesses and municipalities updating official records and mapping systems,” he added.
Johannes believes Namibia can address both concerns by moving faster where there is broad agreement while maintaining consultation for local names.
“Ultimately, the political climate favours a structured middle ground: expediting high-profile, broadly supported national landmarks while applying a clear, participatory framework for local street and institutional renamings.”
Another political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah similarly supports the principle of renaming, but argues that the process should be deliberate and based on clear criteria.
“I would argue for a cautious but firm approach. Renaming should not be delayed indefinitely, but it should not be rushed for political popularity either,” Kamwanyah maintained.
He said priority should be given to people who represent the country’s history, liberation struggle and national identity.
“The government should prioritise names that clearly represent Namibia’s history, liberation struggle and national identity, while consulting affected communities and institutions.”
Kamwanyah warned that rushing the process could create new political divisions, while excessive delays could send another message.
“A rushed process could deepen political divisions and create accusations of favouritism. On the other hand, moving too slowly could suggest that the government lacks the political will to address a symbolic legacy of colonialism,” he said.
“The best approach is a transparent, criteria-based process with clear timelines. Renaming should unite Namibians around their history, not become another source of political conflict.”
Meanwhile, Popular Democratic Movement leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani, the principle of replacing colonial names is welcome, but the process must be based on historical contribution rather than political power.
“I think it is a welcome move.What is not tolerable is for the ruling party to overplay their role at the expense of other heroes that have also contributed.”
Venaani said Namibia should move away from what he described as the over-glorification of existing political leaders and ensure that recognition is extended to Namibians whose contributions have shaped communities and the country.
“There are many Namibians that have made a daunting contribution to society, to the economy, to the struggle of this country. So those should get priority,” he said.
He cited the issue of Buitepos in Omaheke Region, as an example of what he believes should be avoided.
“If you go to Betapó, all the streets in Betapó have been named after people that have never played any role over Betapó or even over the history of Namibia. This thing of just giving streets to existing living Namibians must come to an end,” Venaani cautioned.
Venaani said the country should carefully match a person’s contribution with the place being renamed.
“It is important that names be original, but at least when you are renaming people, look at people that have made a contribution to Windhoek from their own location. Give them street names, rather than bringing people that have never played a role in Windhoek, but you want to impose them on people that have already played a role,” he said.
Venaani added that he had moved a motion in Parliament concerning the renaming of the Buitepos border post in honour of Ludwig Stanley, whom he described as having played an important role in the area.
“So I am saying it’s a good thing, but we must be very cautious with the times of our history so that we record it in such a way that we give names to people that deserve to have names named after them,” he added.
Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters deputy leader and member of parliament Kalimbo Iipumbu, also welcomed the call, arguing that the local public landscape should not remain frozen in a colonial past.
“One, I think we should understand that a boundary needs to document its past. That is now history that I’m referring to,” Iipumbu said.
He said existing names tell a story, but argued that the story of Namibia should not end with the names imposed during colonial rule.
“We have a lot of people that have contributed immensely towards the liberation of this country. And even after the liberation struggle, we have people that have played a very big role in our society that need their names to be seen, even in those specific streets.”
According to Iipumbu, recognition should also extend beyond liberation fighters and political leaders.
“Even if you can go to a certain street, even within that specific street, you might find someone or someone that has done something, not only during the liberation struggle, even after independence.”
“We have people that have contributed to the lives of our people in societies. I think the call is really welcomed, but we should also make sure that we do not forget about our history.”
Iipumbu added: “Let us document what we can keep so that the next generation can really know that where we are coming from, there was something of that nature.”
