Namibia's Name Transformation: From South West Africa to Namibia
Namibia, officially known as the Republic of Namibia, has a fascinating history, particularly in how it was named. Before its independence in 1990, the territory was known as 'South West Africa.' This article will explore the history of the name, its pre-colonial origins, and the transition that led to the country's current name.
The Early Inhabitants
Before the arrival of European colonizers, Southern Namibia was home to several indigenous groups, including the Nama, Damara, Herero, and Ovambo. These people had their own social structures and systems of governance long before the country adopted its first official name in 1884. The Nama, or Namaqua people, were a Khoikhoi pastoral society organized in clans, while the Damara were noted for their farming, hunting, and mining activities, particularly copper mining.
The Arrival of German and South African Rule
It was in 1884 that the entire country received the name Deutsch-Südwestafrika, or German West Africa, under German colonization. This period began with the German state's establishment of a protectorate over the region, marking the start of a new era in Southern Namibia's history. The German administration governed the territory until 1915 when it came under Allied control during the First World War. After the war, in 1920, the League of Nations mandated South Africa to govern what was then known as 'South West Africa' (SWA).
Final Years of South West Africa and the Shift to Namibia
The term 'South West Africa' was widely used until the mid-1970s, but the struggle for independence from South African rule began to gain momentum. The United Nations (UN) recognized the rights of the people of Namibia to self-determination under Resolution 2372 P22 in June 1968. Despite this, the South African government continued to use the term 'South West Africa,' often alongside 'Namibia' or 'SWA/Namibia' to acknowledge the territory's desire for independence while maintaining their formal control.
By 1977, the South African government conceded that the territory had the right to independence and started using the term 'Namibia' more frequently in official contexts. This shift was reflected in publications such as the 1978 Official Yearbook of the Republic of South Africa, where the term 'Namibia' is explicitly mentioned.
The Transition to Independence and the Official Name
The term 'Namibia' eventually entered common usage in the territory, even when it was still under South African control. By 1990, the newly independent country officially adopted the name 'Namibia,' marking a significant milestone in its history. The transformation from 'South West Africa' to 'Namibia' was not just a change in nomenclature but a symbol of the country's sovereignty and the people's struggle for independence.
Cultural and Historical Context
The change in the name 'South West Africa' to 'Namibia' is deeply intertwined with the cultural and historical context of the region. The distinct cultures and languages of the various indigenous groups in Namibia played a significant role in the formation of the independent nation. The Nama, Damara, Herero, and Ovambo peoples, each with their unique histories and identities, contributed to the rich tapestry of Namibia's cultural landscape.
Moreover, the international recognition of Namibia's right to self-determination, as expressed by the UN, underscores the importance of the name change. The transition from 'South West Africa' to 'Namibia' reflects not only a political change but also a cultural and historical shift, symbolizing the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new era of independence and self-governance for the people of Namibia.
Today, Namibia stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its people in the face of colonialism and apartheid. The name change from 'South West Africa' to 'Namibia' serves as a reminder of the journey towards freedom and independence, encapsulating the history and diverse heritage of this fascinating southern African nation.