Independence Day

Namibia was ruled by other countries for over 100 years, firstly by Germany and then by South Africa. It became an independent country in 1990 and celebrated 20 years of independence last Sunday.

I know that Fox Talbot have been studying the Victorians this term. During Queen Victoria’s reign, many European countries tried to rule parts of Africa- does the dress of this woman from the Herero tribe remind you of anything......?

There was more than 20 years of fighting before Namibians could rule themselves, much of it in the north where I am. The fighters were led by SWAPO and many people still support them because of their actions. These are some of the words of the national anthem:

Namibia land of the brave,
Freedom fighters have won,
Glory to their bravery,
Whose blood waters our freedom.
We give our love and loyalty together in unity,
Contrasting beautiful Namibia,
Namibia our country.

This is the flag of Namibia. You should be able to work out the meaning of each colour from the textbook.

Kapolo School celebrated by singing, dancing and acting out a play about the struggle for independence.

The pink costumes are the traditional dress here in the north and would be worn by women to any special occasion or celebration. You can see them being worn by these older dancers also. Can you see the beaded belts? Men wear pink and red striped shirts.

Oshakati was very quiet on Independence Day. Many people had gone back to their villages to be with their families or had travelled to Windhoek where all the celebrations were being held. This is a typical homestead where a family lives.

Hileni and I decided that we needed to do something special. We travelled west into the countryside and stopped near Otapi to look at a boabob tree which is estimated to be more than 800 years old. It is hollow in the middle and has been used for many purposes such as for people to hide in to escape from fighting, for meetings or as a prison by the South Africans.
We then went searching for mopane worms, stopping on the way at this small oshana which was full of water lilies.

The mopane worms turned out to be big fat caterpillars which eat the leaves of mopane trees.

Some boys helped us to collect a bowlful and prepared them for us, squeezing them like a tube of toothpaste! They and their family had also been collecting them to sell in the market.

Hileni cooked them and I did eat one – and finish it! It tasted a bit like bacon but the skin was tough and covered in spikes, which got stuck between my teeth! Here is the proof!

What could be a better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a dish of mopane worms, garlic potatoes and salad?