A number of OvaHerero, fleeing the German war of extermination in 1904, crossed from German South West Africa (Namibia) into the Bechuianaland Protectorate and settled in Ngamiland. These OvaHerero came under Tawana overlordship, but retained their cultural identity and even a large degree of their political structures. Initially destitute and unfamiliar with Bechuanaland conditions, they became richer over time. Although proposals for a return to Namibia, including one involved with Tshekedi Khama's campaign against the incorporation of South West Africa into South Africa, were not realized, the desire to return remained. Politically the Ngamiland OvaHerero were associated with SWANU more than SWAPO.
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