Feld Strasse christened as Sir Seretse Khama Street
Feld Street in central Windhoek has been officially renamed the Sir Seretse Khama Street in honour of Botswana’s founding president. The event was attended by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Botswana’s President Duma Boko, and former Botswana president Ian Seretse Khama.Nandi-Ndaitwah said the renaming recognised Sir Seretse Khama’s role in supporting Namibia during its liberation struggle and his contribution to regional cooperation. “When the Namibian people suffered under German imperial rule, Botswana gave us refuge,” she said. “This tribute pays homage to a leader whose solidarity and leadership continue to inspire across Southern Africa.”
She noted that the decision followed a proposal from the Maharero Traditional Authority and was approved through national consultation. The president added that the event coincided with the Botswana–Namibia Binational Commission, which meets this week in Windhoek to discuss cooperation on regional integration and development.
Former Botswana president Ian Khama said the gesture reflected the close relationship between the two countries. “This street is more than a name upon a signpost. It symbolises the ideals that guided my father’s footsteps, freedom, dignity, unity, and self-determination,” he said.
Boko described the renaming as a continuation of historical ties linking the peoples of Namibia and Botswana. “The ties that bind us are not only political but familial,” he said. “Our ancestors are connected across these lands, and our people share a common heritage.”
The new street intersects with Julius Nyerere Street, named after Tanzania’s founding president. Boko said the junction represented a meeting of two influential African leaders whose legacies shaped post-independence Southern Africa.
The ceremony concluded with a call from both governments to maintain the principles of peace, democracy, and regional unity that Sir Seretse Khama championed.