CALLS by a newly formed anti-secessionist group in Katima Mulilo have ignited a new round of heated debates among Caprivians.

The group advocates for the denunciation of the name “Caprivians,” a term widely used by people in the former Caprivi Region (now renamed the Zambezi Region) and the world in general.

This group insists that the residents should be called “Namibians” rather than “Caprivians.”

This approach will exact a high price and inflict psychological torture, as has been the case since the region’s name change to Zambezi during the presidency of former Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba in August 2013.

Perhaps, government institutions expended huge amounts on rebranding their regional offices. There are still a million questions that need to be answered regarding the Caprivian identity.

History cannot be changed; it remains a record of the past that informs us of our origins. In fact, new generations should not be afraid or deprived of learning about this name.

We understand that the name “Caprivians” unites the people, much like the names used for other Namibian groups today—such as Kavangos, Ovambos, Hereros, Namas, Damaras, and Tswanas. This unifying effect persists, even though the term “Caprivians” was originally employed by the apartheid regime.

Yet, no one has proposed to change or rename these ethnic groups. What, then, is so special about not calling people “Caprivians”?

An attempt was made in the same vein to change the name of the town of Lüderitz, still bearing the name of a German imperialist, but the residents stood up and protested.

It is only Caprivians who are fighting among themselves, without finding constructive dialogue and solutions for their community.

During the liberation struggle, political parties in the then SWA/Namibia were formed along ethnic lines. For instance, CANU (Caprivi African National Union) was founded by Caprivian politicians. SWAPO, which stands for the South West Africa People’s Organisation (representing the people of South West Africa), and SWANU (South West Africa National Union) are two such parties. These two parties are still active in the National Assembly, the highest law-making body in Namibia, and have not changed their names. In contrast, CANU, a party for Caprivians, is not represented in Parliament.

Therefore, it is premature and confusing today to start brainwashing the minds of the children of those Caprivian heroes and heroines who died mysteriously in the name of Caprivi in recent decades. An example is Mathews Kulibabika Chatambula, who was roasted alive by apartheid South Africa and is not even honoured today.

This movement would be given credit if it tackled pressing issues such as the depletion of natural resources (e.g., the cutting down and exportation of timber by Chinese entities), the unconditional release of those charged with high treason, the call for a referendum, the forceful deportation of Caprivians by Botswana authorities back to their homeland, and the reason why the remaining five refugees are still held in Botswana prisons under detention without trial.

Our eyes are still open; we have observed that most die-hard political factions and those occupying senior positions in government have sidelined businesses and projects bearing the name “Caprivi,” preventing them from being awarded government contracts and tenders.

It is prudent to bring this issue surrounding Caprivi to an end now with amicable solutions, because one segment of our society will remain economically advantaged under the pretext of the “Caprivi” name, which some have also stereotyped as “rebel” territory.

In light of this, let’s put aside differences and address the current state of affairs, which is festering because of opportunists who seek to confuse discerning minds under the banner of either the “Caprivians” or “Namibians” debate.

Let us not shy away from being called “Caprivians”…

We wish you a Happy New Year 2020!