Kambazembi

Kambazembi wa Kangombe ( means: Kambazembi, son of Kangombe ), ( * 1843, † 1903) was a tribal leader of the Herero at the Waterberg in the former German South West Africa, now Namibia.

Life

According to Heinrich Vedder Kambazembi immigrated after Tjamuaha Death ( 1862) as a young man with his tribe from the Kaokoland. The tribal territory was in 1869 between Okandjoze, the Middle Omuramba Uomatako and the Waterberg. Another part of the tribe settled in Otjiwarongo. After Hugo von François Kambazembi was the richest of the Herero - Prince. The missionary Johann Jakob Irle was 1874, the number of tribal members under Kambazembi with about 12,000. They lived mostly in the northern Omaheke, in about 60 yards, each about 200 people.

Made in 1891 with the consent of Kambazembi the establishment of a Rhenish mission station in Otjiwarongo.

As Maharero 1890 died from broke disputes between Nicodemus Kavikunua and Samuel Maharero to the throne. Actually would Kambazembi must start because of his political influence and his wealth, the succession. Samuel Maharero was eventually recognized by the German colonial administration as the head chief of all Hereros. Then Kavikunua allied with Kahimemua Nguvauva, Manasseh Tyiseseta of Omaruru, Kandji Tjetjo of Ovikokokero and Riarua, former advisor to Maharero. 1894 tried unsuccessfully Kambazembi to reconcile Nicodemus Kavikunua and Riarua with Samuel Maharero.

Kambazembi was an opponent of land sales, led to his death continued the traditional nomadic lifestyle of his ancestors and refused to wear European clothes. After his death the tribal territory was divided among his sons David Kaunjonjua and Salathiel. David Kaonjonga was Chief of the Waterberg area, Salatiel took over the rest of the country.

Family

Kambazembi was a son of Kangombe, his mother was the sister of Tjamuaha, the father of Maharero, and a daughter of Tjirues. Kambazembi Ndomo married a sister of Maharero. All Herero leaders were closely related with each other. As children, three sons are known:

• Kandjunga Kambazembi
• Salathiel Kambazembi († 1942).
• David Kaunjonjua Kambazembi