Rehoboth Basters commemorate Sam !Khubis
Today marks the 108th anniversary of the Sam !Khubis battle when the imperialist German army attacked the Rehoboth Baster community, killing many - including a baby who was shot dead while breastfeeding. Young mothers shielding the babies they carried on their backs were also killed during the attack.On 8 May 1915, the Germans attacked the stronghold, which was defended by 700 to 800 Basters. Despite repeated attacks and the use of two cannons and three Maxim machine guns, the Germans were unable to destroy the Basters' position. They ended the attack at sunset.
As night fell, the Basters had almost run out of ammunition and expected a defeat. At that moment, they bowed their heads in unison and appealed to God, pledging that they and their future generations would commemorate the day forever, should they be spared.
The Germans received orders to retreat and, believing that it was ordained by God, the community religiously commemorate this day every year at the Sam !Khubis mountains southwest of Rehoboth.
The day is commemorated through several church services and begins with shots fired at the break of dawn as a reminder of the attack that began at exactly that time.