Namibia changed its name from South West Africa to reflect the desires of its people and to assert its independence from South Africa. The decision to change the name was made by the United Nations General Assembly in a resolution adopted on 12 June 1968.
The adoption of this resolution came after years of struggle for independence by the Namibian people. South West Africa had been under South African administration since the end of World War I, when it was mandated by the League of Nations to South Africa. However, this administration was met with resistance from the indigenous population who sought self-determination and independence.
The United Nations Security Council also played a crucial role in the process of changing the name of the country. In August 1969, the Security Council adopted Resolution 269, which declared South Africa’s continued occupation of Namibia illegal. This resolution was a significant step towards recognizing the rights of the Namibian people and their aspirations for independence.
The name change from South West Africa to Namibia was a symbol of the country’s transition from a territory under foreign administration to a sovereign nation. It represented a break from the colonial past and asserted Namibia’s identity as an independent state.
The choice of the name “Namibia” itself carries historical and cultural significance. It is derived from the Namib Desert, which stretches along the country’s western coast. The word “Namib” means “vast place” in the Nama language, one of the indigenous languages spoken in Namibia. By adopting this name, Namibia honors its natural landscapes and acknowledges the importance of indigenous languages and cultures.
The change in name also had political implications. It sent a strong message to the international community that Namibia was no longer a part of South Africa and should be recognized as an independent nation. It was a declaration of sovereignty and a step towards gaining international recognition and support for Namibia’s struggle for independence.
Personally, as someone who has studied the history of Namibia, I find the name change to be a powerful symbol of the country’s journey towards self-determination. It represents the resilience and determination of the Namibian people in their fight against colonialism and apartheid. The adoption of the name Namibia was a significant milestone in the country’s history and marked the beginning of a new era for the nation.
Namibia changed its name from South West Africa to reflect the desires of its people and assert its independence. The decision was made by the United Nations General Assembly in 1968, and it was followed by a Security Council resolution declaring South Africa’s continued occupation of Namibia illegal. The name change represented a break from the colonial past, honored indigenous languages and cultures, and signaled Namibia’s transition to a sovereign nation.