Located in the heart of Namibia, Windhoek is the capital and largest city of the country. Situated on the Khomas Highland plateau, it rests at an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in Africa.
With a population of 431,000 in 2020, Windhoek is experiencing continuous growth as people migrate from other regions of Namibia.
As the social, economic, political, and cultural hub of Namibia, Windhoek serves as the central focal point for national enterprises, government bodies, educational institutions, and cultural organizations.
It embodies the essence of the country’s identity and hosts various events and activities that shape its vibrant society. The city’s origins can be traced back to a natural hot spring that was known to local pastoral tribes.
Its development gained momentum in 1840 when Jonker Afrikaner, the leader of the Orlam community, settled in the area and constructed a stone church.
However, the settlement faced numerous challenges, including wars and conflicts, leading to its neglect and destruction.
In 1890, Windhoek was reestablished by Curt von François, a Major in the Imperial German Army, during the period when Namibia was colonized by the German Empire.
This marked a new chapter in the city’s history, laying the foundation for its growth and development as an important urban center.
Today, Windhoek stands as a vibrant and thriving city, reflecting a blend of cultural diversity and historical influences.
It is a place where Namibians from various backgrounds come together, contributing to the city’s dynamic atmosphere.
With its strategic location and significance, Windhoek plays a pivotal role in shaping the present and future of Namibia as a nation.
About Namibia
Namibia, officially known as the Republic of Namibia, is a country located on the southwestern coast of Africa. It shares borders with Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the southeast and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
The country’s landscape varies from arid regions in the north to desert areas along the coast and in the east. The natural scenery, including deserts, mountains, canyons, and savannas, is breathtaking, but these areas can be challenging to inhabit due to their harsh conditions.
The population of Namibia consists of approximately 85 percent Black people, 5 percent of European descent, and 10 percent who are classified as Coloured according to South African terminology (including Cape Coloured, Nama, and Rehobother communities).
Among the Black population, the Ovambo ethnic group constitutes about two-thirds, with the Kavango, Herero, Damara, and Caprivian peoples following in size.
Other ethnic groups have smaller populations. Afrikaners and Germans make up the majority of the European population, with Afrikaners accounting for two-thirds and Germans comprising one-fifth.
While most ethnic Europeans in Namibia hold Namibian citizenship, some also retain South African citizenship. English is the national language of Namibia, although only about 3 percent of the population considers it their home language.
The majority of Namibians speak Ovambo languages, which are spoken by over 80 percent of the population. Nama-Damara is the second most widely spoken language, representing about 6 percent. Kavango, Caprivian, Herero, Afrikaans, as well as German, make up approximately 4 percent of home languages.
Many Namibians are multilingual, speaking two or more indigenous languages and having some proficiency in at least two of the three European languages commonly used: English, Afrikaans, and German.
The earliest inhabitants of Namibia were the San people, who lived a nomadic lifestyle based on hunting and gathering.
They formed small clans and did not have a strong military technology. Over time, they were pushed back to the desert areas even before the arrival of Europeans.
The Twyfelfontein rock paintings and engravings in northwest Namibia provide insights into the lives of these early San hunter-gatherers.
The artwork depicts stone tools, human figures, and various animals like giraffes, rhinoceroses, and zebras. Twyfelfontein has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.
The Nama people were the first conquerors in southern Namibia. They had a larger clan system with alliances between clans and a pastoral economy.
The Damara people, who originated from central Africa, were closely connected to the Nama and had a culture that combined pastoralism, hunting, and copper smelting.
In northeastern and central Namibia, the Herero people, also from central Africa, developed interlocked clan systems led by a paramount chief.
However, the unity of the Herero nation was prone to divisions. In the north, the Ovambo people established several kingdoms on both sides of the Kunene River.
They were mixed farmers and skilled in copper smelting. The Kavango peoples to the east had a somewhat similar but less structured state system.
The regions on the margins of Namibia, such as the Caprivi Strip in the far east and the Kalahari margins, were inhabited by people from southern Zambia (Barotse) and Botswana (Tswana).
European contact and influence in Namibia were limited until the 1860s. Portuguese explorers Diogo Cão and Bartolomeu Dias briefly touched the Namibian coast in the late 15th century, but substantial contact did not occur until the 1670s.
Afrikaner explorers and traders arrived in Namibia after 1670, and settlers arrived around 1790, reaching the southern boundaries of Ovambo kingdoms.
German missionaries, explorers of various nationalities, British traders, and Norwegian whalers also arrived, but their role was not dominant before 1860.
They established trade routes, introduced firearms, and contributed to conflicts among different clans and peoples. The Oorlam-Nama, who had military technology modeled after the Afrikaners, came from the Cape in the mid-19th century.
They gained control over the resident Nama and Damara populations. Jonker Afrikaner, an Oorlam chief, established a kingdom near Windhoek with the support of the Red Nation (Nama) and Damara. Central Namibia became a battleground between the southward-moving Herero and the northward-migrating Nama.
A peace treaty was signed in 1870 between the Germans and the Herero near the border of Herero territory. Maherero emerged as the Herero paramount chief during this time.
The Rehoboth Basters, a South African Creole community, settled in a territory south of Windhoek, acting as a buffer between the Herero and the Germans.
Similar to the Oorlam, they adopted Europeanized military technology and civil society organization from the Afrikaners.
History of Windhoek
Windhoek, the capital and largest city of Namibia, has a fascinating history and a strategic location in the country. The origin of its name is a subject of debate, with some attributing it to the Afrikaans term “wind-hoek” (wind corner), while others believe it may have been inspired by the Winterhoek Mountains in South Africa.
The first recorded mention of Windhoek was in a letter from Jonker Afrikaner to Joseph Tindall in 1844. The city’s early settlement can be traced back to 1840 when Jonker Afrikaner established an Orlam community near a hot spring in present-day Klein Windhoek.
He built a stone church, which also served as a school, and the area thrived for a while. However, conflicts between the Nama and Herero tribes led to the decline and eventual destruction of the settlement.
In 1884, merchants from Lüderitzbucht sought German protection for the region, resulting in the establishment of a German protectorate known as German South West Africa.
Major Curt von François stationed his garrison in Windhoek to maintain order and act as a buffer between warring tribes. The availability of water from the twelve springs in the area contributed to its agricultural potential.
On October 18, 1890, Windhoek was officially founded when von François laid the foundation stone of the fort, now known as the Alte Feste.
The city experienced significant development from 1907 onward, as indigenous people and European settlers flocked to Windhoek in search of work.
Prominent landmarks, including the three castles of Heinitzburg, Sanderburg, and Schwerinsburg, were constructed during this period.
After World War I, the German colonial era ended, and Windhoek fell under South African administration. Limited development took place until the post-World War II period when increased capital led to infrastructure improvements such as schools, hospitals, and road networks.
The city also pioneered the world’s first potable re-use plant in 1958, contributing to a stable water supply. On October 18, 1965, Windhoek was granted town privileges, commemorating the 75th anniversary of its second foundation.
Since gaining independence in 1990, Windhoek has continued to serve as the national and provincial capital, experiencing rapid growth and development in the post-war era.
Today, Windhoek stands as a vibrant and dynamic city, reflecting its rich history and cultural diversity. It serves as the center for Namibia’s social, economic, political, and cultural activities, embodying the country’s identity and aspirations for the future.
Culture
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, has earned the reputation of being the country’s art capital. The city boasts several prominent cultural institutions, including the National Art Gallery, National Theatre, and National Museum.
The National Museum encompasses two locations: the Alte Feste, which showcases colonial artifacts like wagons and household items, and the Owela Museum, which focuses on scientific displays featuring minerals, fossils, and meteorites.
These museums offer a glimpse into both the historical colonial era and traditional village life in Namibia. In addition to the museums, Windhoek is home to other significant cultural landmarks.
The Independence Memorial Museum commemorates Namibia’s struggle for independence, while the National Library of Namibia and the Windhoek Public Library, constructed in 1925, provide valuable resources for literature enthusiasts.
These cultural institutions contribute to the city’s vibrant arts scene and provide visitors and residents with opportunities to explore Namibia’s rich history and heritage.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windhoek
