Genealogist, historian, Omupuoje and a remarkable broadcaster with unrivaled ability as an orator

Alex Jarimbovandu Kaputu died on 9 March 2021 at Otjinene Clinic. He was one of the most cited expert on Ovaherer history and a leading and respected voice in the community on issues of culture, tradition and the Otjiherero language.

His mastery of all aspects comprising the community’s culture was unrivaled, coupled with his unobtrusive presentation of the community’s religion, called Oupuee. And he made up for the inviting voice with real aptitude for everything concerning Ovaherero communities and their way of life.

Kaputu as a seasoned radio personality had a soothing, melodious and magical voice and an aura about his voice of someone people wanted to hear.

Kaputu was born in Windhoek on 9 March 1952 and would impress on the fact that he was born the same year Chief Frederick Maharero died.

His last few years were spent mostly at Farm Ombakaha in Otjinene District of Omaheke Region, except for the brief stints he had spent giving lectures in Namibia and abroad, on the Ovaherero community, the Genocide of 1908 and on culture.

The genealogist was a go to person for people, who wanted to know about their ancestors and lineages, and he was the person to go for the correct knowledge about customs and practices. As presenter of the radio programme: Omaraa ua Ndjambi kOotate (God’s decrees to our ancestors), he shared practices and cultural rites, sacred objects and even taboos in the community.

His accomplishments were made possible by a character trait and personality that upcoming genealogist Marapo Kazongominja clearly depicted on the same day the University of Namibia bestowed Kaputu the title of Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa in Literature (26 September 2019).

Alex Kaputu found Doreen Nguvenjengua in an interview with late Ovaherero Paramount Chief Kuaima Riruako and as Omurari Station Manager, he was unhappy with the presenter having allowed the Ovaherero leader to use a slot reserved for other radio programs to share his message. She was caught in the middle of an episode involving two of the most accomplished Ovaherero characters in their prime. Ombara Riruako was a master of raising points against hostile reception and Kaputu was accomplished at achieving his goals without drawing attention attention to himself.

Kaputu signalled through the studio window for Nguvenjengua to end the interview, and when Ombara Otjitambi Riruako would look towards Kaputu, the station manager nodded as though in acknowledgment of what he was saying, creating an impression that he was encouraging the leader to continue speaking.

It went on and on as Nguvenjengua would try and interject Ombara Otjitambi Riruako who would reply and say, “ Mbwae kurama, otjiwana matji puratene!” (Please wait the community is listening).

Much of what many would remember of him for years to come will revolve around the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) recognition of his rare abilities and how humour, including his own, was permeated the occasion after that recognition. “Never take someone else’s honour, because you would not account for it when the time comes,” he said at that occasion as he narrated a life lived in the service of his community.
His death leaves a hollow silence urging the community to scream, quietly.