Julina Kaakunga

AS Walvis Bay celebrated its 30th anniversary of reintegration into Namibia on 1 March, local author Taati Niilenge released a moving tribute to the town’s rich history in her latest book, titled ‘Walvis Bay, Our Story’. 

The book, which includes narratives from Walvis Bay’s pre-Independence era, aims to bridge the generational gap by preserving the town’s stories for future generations.

Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Niilenge expressed concern about the loss of historical knowledge among the youth of Walvis Bay. She noted that many young people have missed out on the opportunity to learn about their roots from the elderly and other community elders. “The new generation is getting lost in the pool of this modern world. Thus, giving them a piece of their history is important before no one is left to tell the stories,” she urged.

Niilenge spoke to residents from various generations, including some who were born in Walvis Bay after the 1930s and others who came to the town after that. Having her parents as co-writers was the best part of writing the book. They helped her make friends, took her to historical sites where they played and attended school, and more.

 The book instantly sparked enthusiasm in the community, who began to submit images and share their own stories. Niilenge demonstrated to the younger generation the history of the town and its growth through an abundance of photographs. She envisions the book being available in libraries and youth centres, where it can serve as a reminder of the rich history that lies at the heart of Walvis Bay.

The book delves into the lives of the early inhabitants of Walvis Bay, focusing on the neighbourhoods of Kuisebmond and Narraville. “While interviewing our grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles, I realised theirs is a history of love, unity, generosity, survival, and much fun, amid an era where they had to endure a lot during the apartheid period,” she told Youth Corner! 

This book mainly excludes politics, tribalism, and church division issues. It contains words, phrases, and languages that our elderly use, with translations. “Although I could not include everybody from Walvis Bay, I hope all families will relate to what is documented here,” she said. Niilenge is adamant the residents will be inspired to see family members and learn about their own special stories through the book.

Noreen Arangies, another Namibian author, praised Niilenge’s work for its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride in the town’s residents. “As a native of Walvis Bay, reading these stories filled me with nostalgia for a time when life was still beautiful, people were genuine, and the future was filled with hope and courage. The elders’ narratives took me back to my mother’s tales of sitting on the dunes, shedding tears over the area’s barrenness,” said Arangies, adding that she vividly reminisces about the love, harmony, respect, and companionship within their coastal community, expressing pride in their hometown and wishing younger generations would appreciate the strong foundation of their modern lives.

As the town looks ahead to the next chapter in its history, ‘Echoes of the Past’ stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its residents and the importance of remembering where they came from as they navigate an ever-changing world. 

-julinak990@gmail.com