The Coloured people of Namibia share the same origins as the Coloureds in South Africa. The population of the Coloureds in Namibia is approximately 72,000. They mostly live in urban centers. Many are fishermen on the coast and stock farmers in the southern interior.
 

History:
Since Namibia was once part of the country of South Africa (gaining its independence in 1990), the Coloureds of Namibia share a very similar culture and set of experiences.

Colonization by the Dutch in South Africa beginning in the 1600’s began a long period of various peoples living together. The need for workers drove them to import slaves from Malaysia, West Africa and other places. Soldiers and settlers mixed offspring with the slaves and Africans. The term “Coloured” developed to apply to all mixed people.

Eventually the Coloureds became a fairly distinctive group with typically light brown or yellow skin and somewhat Negroid features. Because a dialect of Dutch formed, called Afrikaans, during the same period, Coloureds shared the same language as the whites. With a common language as the whites, a lighter skin color and a shared religion, they often held positions of more responsibility and trust than the native Africans. However, this did not keep them from being strongly socially separated from the whites. Under apartheid, 1948-1990, the Coloureds suffered many ways and were legally limited in rights.

Location:

The Coloureds in Namibia primarily live in major towns on the interior and the coast.

[Click on map above for a larger view]

Religion:
The Coloureds developed as a people with strong ties to the white, Dutch Christian church. Just as one may join a club or become a member somewhere, most see association with a church as being a Christian. Many say that they will go to heaven because they belong to a certain church. As they traditionally gained pride and distinction through connections with the whites, it was natural to choose the same religion. Passed on from generation to generation was the right language, the right connections, the right customs and the right religion. It was a means of pride and survival. There are few opportunities to attend an evangelical church to hear the Gospel.

[Click on any photo above for a larger view]

Summary:
Evangelism for the Namibian Coloured people needs to clearly communicate the true Gospel in their heart language. Widespread dogmatic Christianity with no substance deceives many. Others are desperately waiting to hear the truth. This will take a movement of God. They need the Lord of the Harvest to send workers. There are no Baptist churches among them and very little evangelical influence. They are a forgotten people. Will you help them to know Jesus?

Go to the CONTACT US section to ask questions or to inform us of your decision to adopt a certain People Group.

QUESTIONS: swacsf@telkomsa.net               Website Tech Email