28 August 2017
PRESS RELEASE
Public Presentation on the DVD “The Mayeyi and Livingstone” and the book “Sangwali – David Livingstone at Linyanti”
The European Union Delegation in Namibia in collaboration with the Namibia Scientific Society and the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA) held an event on the 22nd of August to announce and publicize the book “Sangwali – David Livingstone at Linyanti” by Konny von Schmettau, which describes the historical background and tells the stories of Livingstone, the Makololo and Mayeyi tribes and the missionaries who followed Livingstone to the Linyanti. Similarly, Namibian journalist and videographer, Francois Lottering from NAMPA screened a video based on Konny von Schmettau’s book, titled “The Mayeyi and Livingstone”. This DVD was made in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union in Namibia and the Scientific Society of Namibia and supported by Land Rover Windhoek, Channel 7 and Nexus.
These materials showcase therich history and travels of Dr. David Livingstone to Sangwali.Few people are aware that Sangwali (a settlement in Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, 130 Km west of Katima Mulilo in the north-eastern corner of the Zambezi Region) was the place of residence of explorer, missionary and anti-slavery activist Dr. David Livingstone in the 1850’s before he proceeded further north. The settlementfeatures a small museum, which was established by Mr. Linus Mukwata to preserve the history and work of David Livingstone at this place. Apart from the rich history and culture of the area is scenic and has large concentrations of wildlife. As mentioned in the video, German entrepreneur and traveller, Adolf Waidelich, who also played a major role in assisting Linus Mukwata to establish the Livingstone Linyanti Museum set up “Livingstone’s Camp”, which gives access to Nkasa Rupara (former Mamili) National Park.
Culture forms an important part of the EU’s cooperation with partner countries and in view of the potential historical, cultural and tourism value this area has for Namibia and further afield, the EU partnered with the Namibia Scientific Society, NAMPA, Traditional Authorities and the private sector to support the first phase of upgrading the Livingstone Linyanti Museum. Further assistance is required and we encourage others to follow suit in this exciting and interesting endeavour.
In her statement at the public presentation and launching of the DVD and book, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Namibia, H.E. Jana Hybaskova said: “The Sangwali-Livingstone link presents a unique and rare occasion where history, culture and nature meets to present an array of potential tourism and socio-economic development opportunities”.
For more information:
CONTACT:
Ms.Susan-Marie Lewis, EU Delegation to Namibia; Email:
Ms. Waltraut Fritzsche, Namibia Scientific Society, Email:
Mr. Francois Lottering, NAMPA
Ms Konny von
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