Aims and objectives
The Maharero Papers (1860-87) include letters, photos and records that provide a window into the life and leadership of Chief Maharero ka Tjamuaha. This rare and valuable collection offers insights into Namibian history, particularly the political and social dynamics with colonial encounters. Chief Maharero’s correspondences cover diplomacy, leadership challenges and interactions with European powers. This collection includes 75 A4-size folders, each containing two to three original handwritten documents. As valuable documents from Namibia’s national resistance era, the Maharero Papers are currently stored in two cardboard boxes within a small safe at the National Archives. Access is restricted, and they have been removed from public access to prevent wear from excessive use. The second collection, the Resident Commissioner Ovamboland Records (1916-27), includes government records documenting the beginning of South African colonial administration in Ovamboland. These documents are significant as they recorded the effects of colonialism on the nation, tribes and people of this northern area. They include records of local chiefs, administrative structure, and how Ovamboland was governed during this timeframe. Stored in dilapidated boxes, this material has been heavily used from photocopying over the years and requires urgent preservation and digitisation.
