February 26, 2019 – an Air Namibia flight touches down in Windhoek. Luxury limousines roll onto the runway, and a military honor guard assembles at the aircraft's gangway.
All this for the contents of a wooden crate.
In two days, the state of Baden-Württemberg will hand over Hendrik Witbooi's Bible and whip back to Namibia. For Namibia, this is an event of great national importance.
In Namibia, Hendrik Witbooi is a national hero.
In the country that only became independent in 1989, he symbolises resistance against colonial rule.
As President Geingob emphasises in his speech, Witbooi was "one of its foremost heroes".
His significance is also reflected on Namibian dollar notes. Until 2012, the portrait of Hendrik Witbooi was featured on all Namibian dollar notes.
On February 28, 2019, the grand ceremony takes place in Gibeon, the former residence of Hendrik Witbooi.
Minister of Science Theresia Bauer hands over the bible and whip to Namibian President Hage Geingob.
More than 3,000 people have gathered in the sweltering heat, including the entire government and the two former presidents, Sam Nujoma and Hifikepuye Pohamba.
The Witbooi people in particular have long awaited this day, with an honor guard awaiting the events.
