The Herero people
The Herero people, also known as Ovaherero, are a Bantu ethnic group primarily found in Southern Africa, with the largest population residing in Namibia. According to the 2023 census, there are approximately 179,000 Herero people in Namibia, while smaller communities can be found in Botswana, Angola, and South Africa. The Herero speak Otjiherero, a Bantu language, and many also speak English, with some older generations using Namibian Black German.
Traditionally, the Herero are pastoralists, with cattle playing a central role in their daily life and economy. Unlike many other Bantu groups who are primarily subsistence farmers, the Herero have historically focused on livestock husbandry, particularly cattle. This pastoral lifestyle is deeply embedded in their culture, influencing their social organization, rituals, and even their language. The Herero’s customs, such as the practice of milking cattle, were influenced by contact with Cushitic pastoralists from Eastern Africa, who shared similar herding techniques.
The Herero are divided into various sub-groups, each with distinct cultural practices. Notable sub-groups include the Himba, Tjimba, Mbanderu, and Kwandu, with other groups like the OvaKuvale and Zemba found in Angola. Despite their differences, these groups share a common language and heritage. Some groups, like the OvaTjimba, are indigenous hunter-gatherers who have adopted the Herero language but retain their distinct lifestyle.
The Herero have a complex social structure, with leadership distributed among several royal houses. These include the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, headed by prominent chiefs like Mutjinde Katjiua, and the Maharero Royal Traditional Authority, led by Chief Tjinaani Maharero. The Herero have a long history of resistance, including during the early 20th century when they suffered significant losses during the German Empire’s genocide, a traumatic event that displaced many Herero people to neighboring countries. Today, they continue to maintain their cultural practices and identity, despite historical challenges.
