Namibia’s history is comprised of its early inhabitants, colonial encounters, and struggles for sovereignty. The San people, also known as Bushmen, were the region’s earliest known inhabitants, later joined by the Nama and Damara communities. In the 19th century, the Oorlams, a group of mixed Khoisan and Afrikaner descent, migrated northwards, significantly impacting the local populations. The arrival of European explorers like Diogo Cão and Bartolomeu Dias in the late 15th century marked the beginning of Namibia’s contact with the outside world, though it was not until the 19th century that European powers began to establish a more permanent presence. The German annexation in 1884 initiated a period of intense colonization, leading to violent conflicts and significant loss of life, particularly during the Herero and Namaqua uprisings. The subsequent South African administration imposed apartheid policies, which further entrenched racial discrimination and segregation. The mid-20th century saw the rise of independence movements, culminating in Namibia’s liberation in 1990.
Chronological history of Namibia
Pre-Colonial Era
- Early Inhabitants: The San people, also known as Bushmen, were the earliest known inhabitants, followed by the Nama and Damara communities.
- Oorlams Migration: In the 19th century, Oorlams, a group of mixed Khoisan and Afrikaner descent, moved northwards, displacing local Nama and Herero populations and causing significant social upheaval.
European Contact and Initial Colonization
- 1486-1488: Portuguese explorers Diogo Cão and Bartolomeu Dias briefly touched the Namibian coast but did not establish settlements.
- Late 1700s: Dutch control Walvis Bay to secure a deep-water harbour, later taken over by the British in 1805.
- 1800s: Missionary activities begin, with the London Missionary Society establishing towns and churches in southern Namibia.
German Colonization
- 1884: Germany formally annexes Namibia, naming it German South West Africa, marking the beginning of significant European colonization.
- 1904-1907: Herero and Namaqua uprisings against German colonial rule led to brutal suppression and genocide by German forces, resulting in massive loss of life among the Herero and Nama peoples.
South African Rule
- 1915: During World War I, South African forces occupied Namibia, and after the war, it became a League of Nations mandate territory administered by South Africa.
- 1948: Apartheid policies are implemented in Namibia, mirroring those in South Africa, leading to widespread racial discrimination and segregation.
Struggle for Independence
- 1966: The South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) begins an armed struggle for independence from South African rule.
- 1971: The International Court of Justice rules that South Africa’s administration of Namibia is illegal, increasing international support for Namibian independence.
Independence and Modern Era
- 1989-1990: Under UN supervision, Namibia holds elections, leading to SWAPO’s victory. Namibia gained independence on March 21, 1990, with Sam Nujoma as the first president.
- 1990-Present: Namibia establishes a democratic government and focuses on economic development, although challenges such as income inequality and land reform persist.
The initial interactions with European explorers paved the way for German colonization, which brought both infrastructural development and brutal conflict. The transition to South African control introduced apartheid policies, exacerbating racial divisions. However, the persistent struggle of the Namibian people, spearheaded by organizations like SWAPO, eventually led to international support and Namibia’s emancipation. Since gaining independence, Namibia has focused on building a democratic society and addressing challenges such as economic inequality and land reform, continuing to evolve while acknowledging its complex history.
