Ongandjera (from "aagandji yiiyela", place of gold metal thread beads) is a settlement near Okahao in the Omusati Region in northern Namibia. Ongandjera is the birthplace of Sam Nujoma, the country's first president,[1] and of Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana who was the secretary-general of SWAPO from 2007 to 2012.
Historically part of Ovamboland, Ongandjera is the seat of a traditional kingship, the Ongandjera Traditional Authority. In 1917, South Africa stripped the rulers of seven kingships, including Ongandjera, of their authority to rule their territory. Nevertheless, the position of King of the Ongandjera was continued. Following Namibia's independence, the king of Ongandjera declared the royal family restored.[2] Kings of Ongandjera were:[3]
