Tribute to revered Berseba elder
We woke up to the sad news of the passing of our late mother, grandmother and great grand-mother, Fredrika Goliath at the age of 83 on 13 January 2023 at home in Berseba. She was amongst the last remaining elders from the community of Berseba. She will be laid to rest in Berseba on Saturday, 28 January 2023.
We wish to reminisce about the golden old days when we were young and growing up in the dusty streets of Berseba, a village in the //Kharas region, which lies in the shadow of the famous Brukaros Mountain (Gaiseb).
These were the revered elders, wife of the King of /Hai-/Khaua, she provided that grace and awe, silent but steadfast, not heard or seen, not noticed easily, unless in the presence of her husband, Gaob Dawid Christian Goliath, the /Hai-/ Khaua traditional chief who ruled over the Goliath clan during the apartheid era. He passed away in the year 1993, three years into the independence of Namibia. He was succeeded by chief Stephanus Goliath, former governor of the //Kharas region, and current deputy chief of the //Hai-/Khaua Traditional Authority.
When independence dawned on Namibia on 21 March 1990, chief Dawid Christian Goliath was quoted by my late father, Cornelius Jacobs, saying that he wanted to see Sam Nujoma, the Founding Father of the Namibian nation. When the day came and he saw Nujoma, his words were, “today, I have seen the independence of Namibia”.
Even when Independence Day came and passed, he wanted that reassurance because the struggle was bitter and protracted. And although they stood firm, having gone through oppression, apartheid, marginalisation, together with his people, he wanted to see Nujoma to get that assurance that it is real, and that Namibia is at last free, and they achieved the freedom they fought for.
Gao-Daras Fredrika Goliath was a silent pillar behind this great man. Meetings were frequently held at their house. There was always that welcoming cup of tea, a traditional brew which Nama people will offer to visiting guests. There were frequent visits from the community to their house, patiently and gracefully welcoming all and sundry, all the time.
How is it possible that a quiet person, who did not speak many words, became so influential, providing dignity and solace to her husband, and at the same time remained a unifier and peacemaker within the family and the community? How is it that a solid hand of a mother and wife, extended without saying a word, can influence so many people and for people to remain steadfast and committed to the queen mother? Because, silence also is an expression. Rumi, the great philosopher and mystic, once said, “Listen to silence. It has so much to say”.
Our queen mother did not have to say anything because she gave love and care in her silence.
Joining the liberation struggle was voluntary, and especially to join Swapo was done on individual basis. But in the south of Namibia, most traditional authorities’ leaders joined the liberation struggle first, and their traditional communities followed them into the fold of the struggle. Berseba joined Swapo in the year 1974, and the first Swapo rally was held in Berseba in that same year.
Chief Dawid Christian Goliath, together with his councillors, stood firm that day, telling the people that Swapo will bring freedom to this country, and that they are proud members of Swapo. Mama Fredrika Goliath was behind her husband on that day and beyond, stood firm besides him thereafter, even when he was stripped of all his titles by the apartheid forces.
Traditional chiefs were given a rifle with cartridges, besides monthly food rations in the 1960s. All these were taken away from them in the 70s, including his councillors. My father was the senior councillor.
When chief DC Goliath, together with his councillors, declared that they joined Swapo, the apartheid forces increased their suppression and restrictions on the chief and the /Hai-/Khaua community of Berseba. Together with their families, especially the wife had to suffer these deprivations, together with the husband.
She stood firm, did not waiver, and silently and consistently stayed at the side of her husband until he left this world. Government of independent Namibia recognised her bravery and steadfastness, and bestowed upon her veteran status on 9 March 2012.
She lived an accomplished life, a quiet and silent being, dignified but inconspicuous, and lived a full 30 years after the passing of her beloved husband at the beginning of 1993. Our late mother stayed behind to witness the growth of her children. She has seen it all, both the good and the bad of this world, including Covid-19, disunity and unity of the /Hai-/ Khaua community and the Namibian nation. She returned to her everlasting life, where all of us will eventually go back to.
May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.