Walvis Bay, Namibia’s only deep-water port, is a strategic coastal city that holds a unique place in the country’s history. Its location along the Atlantic Ocean has made it a vital hub for trade, commerce, and transportation. However, Walvis Bay’s journey to becoming part of an independent Namibia was shaped by a complex and often contentious political history, marked by South African control, international disputes, and eventual integration into Namibia’s sovereignty.
This article delves into the history of Walvis Bay, tracing its evolution from South African control to its eventual inclusion into Namibia’s territory in 1994. It examines the geopolitical importance of the region, the historical context of its separation from Namibia, and the significant steps that led to the city’s return to Namibian sovereignty.
1. Early History of Walvis Bay
The area around Walvis Bay was originally inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Khoikhoi and Herero peoples, who had long-standing connections to the region. The bay itself, which is protected from the open sea by a series of natural sandbars, was a crucial point for trade and fishing activities for these communities. However, European exploration and colonization changed the course of Walvis Bay’s history.
The first European presence in Walvis Bay was in the early 19th century when the British began showing interest in the southern African coastline as part of their strategic goals. The bay’s potential as a port for trade was noticed, and it was seen as a valuable asset for the British Empire.
In 1878, the British formally annexed Walvis Bay, placing it under the jurisdiction of the British Cape Colony. This move was largely motivated by Britain’s desire to protect its maritime routes and interests in southern Africa. The annexation of Walvis Bay by the British marked the beginning of the region’s association with European control, setting the stage for the future geopolitical struggles that would follow.
2. The Creation of German South West Africa
In 1884, Germany established control over what became known as German South West Africa, a region that included most of modern-day Namibia. Germany’s expansion into the area was part of the broader European scramble for Africa during the late 19th century. Despite Walvis Bay being under British control, the surrounding territories, including the rest of Namibia, fell under German control.
While the British maintained their hold on Walvis Bay, the growing German presence in southern Africa set the stage for future tensions. The dispute over the borders between German South West Africa and the Cape Colony persisted for decades, with the British wanting to maintain control over Walvis Bay while the Germans sought to expand their influence.
3. South African Control of Walvis Bay
After World War I, the German Empire lost its colonies as a result of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. As part of the peace settlement, Germany was forced to surrender control of its territories, including German South West Africa. The League of Nations awarded a mandate for the administration of the former German colony to South Africa, which was a self-governing dominion within the British Empire at the time. South Africa’s rule over Namibia, known as South West Africa, continued under a League of Nations mandate.
However, South Africa’s administration of Walvis Bay was treated separately. Instead of integrating it into South West Africa, Walvis Bay remained under direct South African control. This was largely due to South Africa’s strategic interest in maintaining control over the region, especially given its location as the only deep-water port in the region. The decision to keep Walvis Bay as part of South Africa rather than incorporating it into the larger South West African mandate led to a political divide that lasted for much of the 20th century.
4. The Impact of South African Apartheid Policies
During the mid-20th century, South Africa implemented its apartheid policies, which enforced racial segregation and discriminatory laws across the country. These policies also affected South West Africa, and by extension, Walvis Bay. Under apartheid, South Africa’s government extended its apartheid laws to Walvis Bay, despite the fact that the region had not been formally integrated into South West Africa.
The apartheid system severely impacted the indigenous Namibian population, including those residing in and around Walvis Bay. As the population of South West Africa began to resist colonial rule through movements like the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), tensions rose between South Africa and the international community, which called for the independence of Namibia and the end of South African control.
5. The Struggle for Namibian Independence
As South Africa’s apartheid policies came under increasing international pressure, the struggle for Namibian independence gained momentum. In the 1960s and 1970s, SWAPO emerged as the leading political party advocating for the independence of Namibia. Meanwhile, Walvis Bay remained a key point of contention due to its strategic importance and South Africa’s unwillingness to relinquish control of the port.
In the 1970s, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that South Africa’s continued administration of South West Africa was illegal and that the region had a right to self-determination. Despite the ICJ ruling, South Africa continued to govern Namibia without granting it independence.
During this period, the UN took a more active role in the struggle for Namibian independence. UN Resolution 435 was adopted in 1978, calling for a ceasefire and free elections in Namibia. However, Walvis Bay’s status was not immediately addressed in the resolution, as South Africa retained its hold on the port city.
6. Walvis Bay’s Return to Namibian Sovereignty
The Namibian War of Independence continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with SWAPO leading a military and diplomatic campaign against South African control. Finally, in 1990, Namibia achieved full independence, following the Namibian independence process brokered by the United Nations and the United States. The country became independent on March 21, 1990, and SWAPO leader Sam Nujoma became Namibia’s first president.
However, Walvis Bay was not immediately included in Namibia’s independence. South Africa retained control over the port city until 1994, when, following the end of apartheid and the establishment of democratic rule in South Africa, the city was formally handed over to Namibia.
This transfer of sovereignty was the result of diplomatic negotiations between the Namibian government, South Africa, and international bodies. It marked the final step in the country’s transition to full sovereignty, with Walvis Bay becoming an integral part of the newly independent Namibia.
7. Walvis Bay’s Role in Modern Namibia
Today, Walvis Bay plays a vital role in Namibia’s economy, serving as the primary port for the country. It is crucial for the export of Namibia’s mineral resources, including diamonds, uranium, and fish. The city’s strategic location along international shipping routes has made it an important regional hub for trade and logistics, linking Namibia to global markets.
In addition to its economic significance, Walvis Bay is also a symbol of Namibia’s struggle for sovereignty and national unity. The city’s history reflects the broader political and social struggles that shaped the country’s path to independence and continues to shape Namibia’s post-independence identity.
The journey of Walvis Bay from South African control to Namibian sovereignty is a significant chapter in Namibia’s history. The city’s geopolitical importance, strategic location, and the political struggles surrounding its control highlight the broader themes of colonialism, apartheid, and the fight for self-determination in southern Africa.
From its annexation by Britain in the 19th century to its integration into Namibia’s territory in 1994, Walvis Bay has played a central role in Namibia’s political and economic landscape. Today, it stands as a testament to Namibia’s resilience and independence, symbolizing the country’s journey from colonial subjugation to sovereignty.
