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BIOGRAPHY OF MAHARERO: A FAMOUS HERERO CHIEF IN THE 19th CENTURY.

Introduction

Maharero a leader of the Ovaherero community in (1861-1890) was born in 1820 at Otjikune near Okahandja. He was the son of Tjamuaha (father) and Tjorozumo (mother).

The Main Biography

He had several brothers and half-brothers, amongst them were Kavezeri, Kariteova, Kavikunua and Rijarua .Like his father, Maharero became an ally of Jonker Afrikaner in 1843. As from 1863 onwards, he refused to accept the dominance of the Afrikaners and was recognized by both Herero’s and the European in the country as the representative of all the Hereros. Shortly afterwards he emerged as the first Herero paramount chief though his leadership was not uncontested .He sought to consolidate his position by marrying into all the important Hereros families and he apparently had over 60 wives by the time he was old .In 1885 he signed a treaty accepting German protection over the country .When he died on October 5, 1890 a serious dispute about his succession erupted. Maharero’s brother Kavezeri , who was born in 1845 ,became custodian of the sacred fire .His other brother Kavikunua,who had already died in 1858 ,had a son named Nikodemus (Kambahahiza). Owing to Nikodemus powerful personality he had been in a strong position to become paramount chief of Hereroland but had obviously not been successful. As a result Maharero requested Samuel his son Samuel Maharero to succeed as a chief of the Hereros living in the east and Mbanderu under Kahimemua and Tjetjoo. His request was supported by the German governor, who subsequently appointed Nikodemus in his new position. Sadly this brought so many arguments on this leadership style, which finally led to both Nikodemus and Kahimemua being captured and executed in Okahandja in 1896.

References

Owela Museum. “The Herero and Mbanderu.”Biograhical notes p.5. Retrieved 3, October, 2012.