Namibia Tsumeb History: A Tale of Rich Mineral Deposits and Colonial Exploitation
Namibia Tsumeb is a small town in the Oshikoto region of Namibia, located in the north of the country, close to the border with Angola. It is best known for its rich mineral deposits, which have been mined since the late 19th century. Tsumeb has a long and fascinating history, which has been shaped by its unique geographical location, its rich mineral deposits, and the exploitation of these resources by colonial powers.
The first recorded inhabitants of the area around Tsumeb were the Ovambo people, who had settled in the area by the 17th century. The town of Tsumeb itself was founded in 1905, when the German colonial administration established a fort there. The fort was built to protect the area’s rich mineral deposits, which had been discovered in the late 19th century. The deposits included copper, lead, zinc, and other minerals, and the German administration saw the potential for exploiting these resources.
In the early 20th century, Tsumeb became an important mining centre and the town grew rapidly. The German administration established a railway line from Tsumeb to the port of Swakopmund, and the town became a major hub for the export of minerals. By the 1920s, Tsumeb was the largest town in northern Namibia and had a population of around 10,000.
The exploitation of the mineral resources of Tsumeb was continued by the South African administration after World War I. The town was the site of a major copper smelter and was a major producer of copper, lead, and zinc. The South African administration also built a major railway line from Tsumeb to the port of Walvis Bay, which was used to export the minerals to Europe.
Tsumeb’s mineral wealth was also exploited by the German and South African colonial administrations for their own benefit. The German administration was able to use the minerals to fund its war effort in World War I, while the South African administration used them to build infrastructure and to fund its military campaigns in the region.
The exploitation of Tsumeb’s mineral resources continued until the end of World War II. The town was badly damaged during the war and many of the mines were closed. In the post-war years, Tsumeb’s population declined and the town became a much smaller place.
Today, Tsumeb is a small but vibrant town with a population of around 10,000. The town is still home to some of the old mines, which are now used for tourism and educational purposes. Tsumeb is also home to some of Namibia’s most important archaeological sites, including the ruins of the German fort and the old copper smelter.
Tsumeb’s history is a testament to the power of mineral resources and the exploitation of these resources by colonial powers. The town’s rich mineral deposits have shaped its history and have been the source of much wealth and power for the German and South African administrations. Despite its turbulent past, Tsumeb is now a peaceful and prosperous town, and its rich history is an important part of Namibia’s cultural heritage.