The Memories that Shaped Me

Usakos,  'grab the heel' in English or Okanduu in the Herero language, is a town situated on the banks of the Khan River, 140 kilometers northeast of Swakopmund in the Erongo Region of Namibia. The town was established in the 1900s as a strategic watering stop for locomotives during the railway line construction from Swakopmund to Tsumeb. The town's origins started with the Otavi Mining and Railway Company (OMEG), which subjugated the region's railway infrastructure.

Nestled within a valley surrounded by serene mountains, Usakos was a vibrant oasis that embodied the country's potential for evolution and development. With its rich history and significant contributions to Namibia's rail network and mining operations, Usakos has inspired a great sense of pride and limitless possibilities.

The town is also the closest town to the very popular Spitzkoppe. The Spitzkoppe is one of Naminia's most iconic and photographed mountain landmarks.  This inselberg towers 700 meters above its surroundings, with a total elevation of 1728 meters above sea level.  Due to its unique shape, which is visible from afar, the Spitzkoppe is frequently referred to as Namibia's 'Matterhorn'. (A mountain in Switzerland)

The town holds a special place in my heart. Born there in 1951 at the Catholic hospital, the early years of my youth were shaped by the rhythm of the tranquility of this quiet, humble town. While Usakos may not be well-known to many, it will always be where my roots are. Usakos is where my memories began and my life's journey took its first steps. It remains an integral part of my identity, a fountain of cherished memories, and the catalyst for my life's trajectory.

Growing up in Usakos in the 1950s was a transformative journey. My family's resilience in the face of poverty inspired me, and life was simple yet rich with valuable lessons. Despite the many hardships, I look back at those years with immense gratitude and admiration. The town was simple, with its dusty streets and quiet corners. Usakos was my playground. The people were kind, and there was an unspoken understanding that we all seemed to share, that we were all in this together, uplifting one another and standing side by side.

My father, like most of the inhabitants of the town,  worked for the South African Railways, a job that carried its own set of hardships but also a quiet sense of pride.  I remember him coming home after long days, the weight of his work evident in the lines on his face. However, he always came home with a sense of fulfillment in being able to provide for his family.

The railway tracks, stretching out like veins through the town, seemed to symbolize the steady flow of life in Usakos. They connected us not only to each other but to the world beyond our small town.

In the heart of the town stood a beacon of community: Bernard Chris, the beloved food store that brought people together, fostered connections, and stretched out a helping hand by offering provisions on credit, payable at month's end.

The Dutch Reformed church at the entrance of the town was a central gathering spot for the community especially on a Sunday morning. In a place where few people had cars, the church served as more than just a religious center - it was a place where people would meet, share news, relive the week, and stay informed. It's interesting how such spaces can shape fond memories, creating a sense of closeness and belonging. 

Reflecting on those early years in Usakos, I realize how meaningfully those carefree days have influenced the very person I am today. There was no rush, no pressure to be anything other than our authentic selves. We made the most of what we had, and in that, there was a sense of fulfillment. The little things -unbridled imagination, the distant sound of the train passing by, and the earthy smell of rain as it sprinkled down on the dusty earth - these are the treasures that I carry with me,

Usakos has changed over the years, as all towns do, but, in some ways, it remains the same in my heart. The memories of a small, tight-knit community where every face was familiar and every hand was ready to help are timeless. Sadly, the town has not seen substantial growth and development since independence, but the spirit of those early days of my youth still lingers.

In the end, Usakos will forever be etched in my heart. It is the place where I first discovered the power of family, community, and resilience. Though it may be a small town, to me, it is a boundless treasure trove of memories and lessons. My childhood memories will continue to shine brightly in the dusty streets, the train tracks, and the warmth of Bernard Chris’s shop. 

 GALLERY

RANDOM