San community representatives in Namibia have urged for greater control over their history, culture, and representation. They argue that the effects of genocide, land dispossession, and displacement continue to impact generations. This call was made during a public discussion on the San genocide, generational trauma, and healing, hosted by the Women's Leadership Centre in Windhoek.
The discussion, titled "The Bushman Myth Revisited: Genocide, Dispossession and the Road to Servitude," featured researchers, San community representatives, activists, and the public. The event aimed to explore how historical violence, loss of land, and traditional livelihoods continue to shape San communities. Author Robert Gordon emphasized that genocide should not be viewed as an isolated historical event, but rather as a process.
San researchers presented findings from an oral history project, which involved interviewing elders in their communities and languages about conflict, displacement, and cultural change. Patricia Dinyando of Omega 1 highlighted traditional practices that demonstrated a strong relationship with the land and challenged stereotypes about San communities. She emphasized that traditional hunting and harvesting practices were guided by knowledge aimed at protecting resources for future generations.
Appolia Dabe noted that the arrival of settlers, livestock, and fences restricted access to land previously used for food, medicine, and other resources, contributing to displacement and food insecurity. Mathilde Ganses of Tsintsabis added that traditional knowledge, culture, and spirituality are being lost as some ritual spaces have become inaccessible to communities.
Kileni Fernando of //Ana-Djeh San Trust emphasized that San people should be involved in decisions affecting their development and representation. She argued that San people should become "the authors of our own representation" and equal partners in decisions affecting their communities. Fernando also stated that San people are not "projects" or "problems" that need to be fixed.
The Women's Leadership Centre stated that the discussion formed part of its ongoing work with San women, children, and communities to strengthen cultural knowledge and pride, and create spaces for discussions on justice, identity, and healing. The centre aims to support San communities in their efforts to preserve their history, culture, and representation.
The discussions highlighted the need for San communities to have greater control over their narrative and to be involved in decisions that affect their lives. The events also underscored the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, culture, and spirituality.
Key points
- San communities in Namibia are calling for greater ownership of their history, culture, and representation.
- The effects of genocide, land dispossession, and displacement continue to impact San communities in Namibia.
- San researchers and community representatives emphasize the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, culture, and spirituality.
