29 Oct 2024
Most Namibia holidaymakers skip Gaub on their round trip. A pity really. Especially for those who are interested in history. Because Gaub in the Otavi Mountains south-east of Etosha National Park has a long and chequered past full of exciting stories.
This history and these stories are told in the newly published book 'Gaub'. Authors Hans Hilpisch from Germany and Armin Jagdhuber from Namibia presented the book on site at the weekend. The publisher had also organised a book launch in Windhoek earlier in the week.
The book contains a wealth of facts about Gaub, compiled over many years of work by NWG librarian Jagdhuber. Formerly a tour guide, he was often a guest at Ghaub Lodge and took the place to his heart.
He laid the foundations for a book that describes the development of the Ghaub site, from the founding of the mission station by the Rhenish Missionary Society in 1895 to today's farm and lodge with nature reserve.
Based on the facts available, the focus is on the farm economy. Farm manager Wilhelm Detering, sent from Germany in 1901 and staying at Gaub probably until shortly before his death in 1945, kept a diary. Quotes from these make the living conditions of the time tangible.
The mission, on the other hand, takes up less space in the book. The first missionaries had to struggle with malaria due to the swamp. The Herero War in 1904 and the First World War in 1914 brought setbacks. And the expulsion of missionary Heinrich Vedder in 1919 already signalled the end of missionary work.
Maps, sketches of the mission and farm complex and historical photos bring Gaub's past to life. Many photos taken by Jagdhuber on site also provide a link to the present day.
Hans Hilpisch, who is responsible for the text, has added facts about Gaub and researched framework topics. However, his chapters and passages on OvaHerero, Nama, Dama(ra) and San as well as on mission, colonial policy and the Herero war are to be provided with many question marks.
The book met with great interest among German-speaking Namibians. The Gaub portrait is also recommended for travellers interested in historical places in Namibia.
The book is available at the NWG in Windhoek and in bookshops throughout the country. It is also available at Ghaub Nature Reserve & Farm at the reception of Ghaub Lodge. Provided, of course, that you don't drive past Gaub...
Sven-Eric Stender
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