Cabinet approved that the National Archives of Namibia hold a celebration in honour of the inscription of the Captain Hendrik Witbooi journals into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
The National Archives since its inception in 1939, held an original letter-copy book of Captain Witbooi, called Diary of Captain Hendrik Witbooi. In light of the importance of this copy, the National Archives applied to UNESCO to have the Diary recognised as a significant contribution in the world’s list of archival and library items of outstanding universal value. This was approved in June 2005. This makes Namibia only one of four African countries having been accorded this honour. The other three are Egypt, Ethiopia and South Africa.
The journals are a rare original source on the politics, diplomacy and philosophy of an African leader facing the advent of European colonialism. Written in Cape Dutch, the lingua franca of diplomatic correspondence in 19th century Namibia, they document African attitudes to the encroaching colonial powers and insights into the differences of African and European legal concepts.
The National Archives is coordinating the celebration with the Witbooi Traditional Authority, the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO, the National Heritage Council and the Archives of Anti-Colonial Resistance and Liberation Struggle Project. The latter will cover 80% of the costs for this celebration.
More information can be obtained from the Ministry of Education at telephone 293 3369.