Documentary Film

Of Medical Mission
1960s-1970s
“

Volume 1
 THE FILM STORY

In 2022, I encountered a magnificent history of the Onandjokwe Pioneers of Medical Mission in Owambo. As a museum
curator, I was handling a rich historical collection, of countless black and whites photographs, old documents, books
and artefacts. These materials are the primary and secondary sources of historical information that helped me to
discover the history of the pioneers (such as the Finnish missionaries, teachers and evangelists, nurses, doctors and
others), who served or were trained in Onandjokwe Hospital, from the beginning of 20th century. Then it came also to
my realization that indeed much of the Onandjokwe Pioneers’ deeds was not well recorded, celebrated, nor well
documented in the book of Namibia medical history.
Then I proposed and decided to produce a documentary film, focusing only on the history of Onandjokwe Pioneers of
Medical Mission in Owambo (1960s-1970s.This period was the golden ages when Onandjokwe school of Nursing was
recognized by S.A.N.C. So it started producing some well trained and qualified local Nurses and Medical staffs.Whom
later established a strong foundation of medical hearth care in the Northern part of Namibia, between 1980s and
1990s.This was the era also when the hole Northern Part of Namibia was declared as a war zone by South Africa
colonial administration .This situation forced many Finnish missionaries (doctors and nurses) starts leaving the country,
which was their mission field since 1870s.
During my filming journey, I recorded great lives stories from the living legends or pioneers, who are true living witness
of Onandjokwe medical heritage. These pioneers are also the oldest Namibian generation, which is a living testimony
of the history for the Finnish Medical Mission services (in northern Namibia).But although, many of these pioneers are
in old ages (70+80+), which is also challenging their health. Their positive Christian faith and morals kept their health
very strong and their minds was still able to remember very well some important events, dates, names of places and
people that happened in their lives. In the film, most of the pioneers had also expressed how they loved and enjoyed
their long life career of working as health care workers in their communities. Some even told that they continued working
after their retirement (age of 60), because of a shortage of health care workers experienced in Namibia (early 2000s).
In this film, most of the pioneers shared brief life stories about their heroic works in the Namibia society. Majority
revealed many bravery activities that they played during the war of Namibia’s independence (1966-1989). Some told
even how they had risked their lives to treat and care for wounded people in the war. They deserved it to be awarded
and recognized as National heroes and heroines in the present Namibian society. The film may open doors, for
Onandjokwe Pioneers to be celebrated and respected more in Namibia society. They laid a strong foundation of
medical and health care for all in various poor rural communities of Northern part of Namibia during a difficult time.
Their history should not be forgotten. According to Agnes Van Dyk, author of the history of Nursing in Namibia:
Published (1994) page 139. “The names and contributions of the Pioneers of medical mission, to Namibia national health care
system, should not be forgotten”. “As without their great sacrifice, the Lutheran Church’s mission in Owambo society, would be
partially successful”. “Also, without them, the health care services for the black population (in Namibia) would have been delayed
for many years”. She added that, “They are pioneers of medical and nursing services in this part of the world (southern part of
Africa)”. “Because in many parts of the Southern Africa, the indigenous medical professionals and trained nurses were very few”.
They also suffered under S.A apartheid racial rules, because “they were only allowed to serve their fellow black population”.
I hope their life stories may inspires and educates the future and the present Namibian historians to value the
importance of documenting and preserving the oral history from elders and senior citizens, while they are still alive. So
that the current generation and many generations to come, may learn something from Namibia’s past generations.
Some Film copies will be donated, displayed and distributed at Onandjokwe Medical Museum. Here the visitors will be
able to see it and listen to the voices and stories of the legendary health workers, who planted the early seeds of
medical health care system, in Onandjokwe and other part of Northern Namibia.
Above all, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve at Onandjokwe Medical Museum, where my inspiration to produce
this film was delivered or originated. Finally, I would like to thank all the generous friends; especially the Good
Samaritans,(from Lieto Parish in Finland),who helped me to raise some fund, which I used to cover all costs for this
monumental documentary Film.
 I DEDICATED THIS FILM TO THE MEMORY OF MY LATE MOTHER:

MRS BEATA NEPEMBE (1947-1987)

AND HER BELOVED CHILD MARTHA.

After her graduation from Okahao Girls’ Mission School in 1968, she served as a pioneer of schools and education
in Okongo community (1970s-1987). One day, on her way home from school, she was killed by a landmine explosive
on 09 April 1987.This was during the war of Namibia’s independence. Today I collected and documented some
photographs and stories about her life, from friends or family members. This inspired also my passions and actions, to
value the arts of preserving and collecting materials, memories and biographical history of people, who are very
important, because they are special in our lives, families, community and Society.

Now is my wish and dream to continue preserving (through digital tools and film documentary) life stories, voices and
biographies of many pioneers of new developments in Namibia society. What motivated me to do this, is my love and
passion for promoting art, culture, Museum and heritage activities in Northern Namibia.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
KLEOPAS NGHIKEFELWA

CAMERA
RAIMO KAMATI

GRAPHIC EDITS
RAIMO KAMATI

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
RAIMO KAMATI

SOUND EFFECT AND DESIGNER

RAIMO KAMATI

PRODUCTION COMPANY
ELLY MOO/ZOPA FILM PROUCTION

MUSICS
EHANGANO
EVANGELICAL LUTHERN CHURCH IN NAMIBIA (ELCIN)
SONGS/HYMS.
 Special Thanks to
All members of the Lieto Parish (in Finland),Prof. Leila Koivunen, Prof. Olli Vainio, Prof. Karlevo
Vaananen, Lauri Kaangas, Pirkko Hakkonen, Rev. Wilhelm Hainane, Prof. Filemon Amaambo,Dr.Tsali
Ithete, Dr.Akutu Munyika,Rev.Julius Mutuleni, Rev.Seblon Ekandjo, Retired Bishop Dr.S.V.V
Nampala,Sister Alma Nambala,Eben Ezer Nursing Association, Elia Shingenge, Raimo Kamati
(ZOPA),Olivia Ampala-Hainonen, Vickson Angula and all the following retired nurses and medical
professionals, who volunteered to participates in this film:

1. Meekulu Tabita Nghatanga 11.Meekulu Victoria Kanhalelo-Ndafelai

Oidiva Village,in Okongo Ondangwa

2. Meekulu Victoria Shipunda-Hailaula 12.Meekulu Mirjam Amuthenhu, Oniipa

Eenhana
13.Tatekulu Rev. Julius Mutuleni
3.Meekulu Karolina Kefas Kuutondokwa Oniipa
Eenhana
14.Kuku Sofia Taapopi Mdadeka
4. Meekulu Ester Mukumangeni Iiyale village, Oniipa
Engela
15.Kuku Ruusa Akudhenga
5. Meekulu Hilja Magano ya Paulus Oniipa
Uutoni,
Engela 18. Prof. Filemon Amaambo
Oniipa
6.Kuku Selma “Gwanandjokwe”
Shejavali, 19. Dr. Petrus Mhata,
Oshamba village, Oshikoto Region Oniipa

7.Kuku Elina Ndapewomagano 20.Tatekulu Festus Ndjibu

Nekomba, Iiyale village, Oniipa
:Iiyale village, Onandjokwe
21.Kuku Elise Kalundingo,
8.Meekulu Victoria Shaamhula, Ondangwa
Engela
22. Dr. Sabina Mwafongwe-David
9.Kuku Maija (Mfoo) Auala, Oniipa
Oniipa
23. Meekulu Hilma Mwatala Theofelus
8.Kuku Josefina Shikongo, Ondangwa
Oniipa
24.Kuku Hanna Nambahu,
9.Kuku Maija Shivute Shiweda, Oniipa
Iiyale village, Oniipa
. 25. Kuku Pennina Akudhenga,
10.Kuku Toini Shikomba, Oniipa
Iiyale village, Oniipa 26. Kuku Justina Shangadi-Auala,Oniipa
 Main Sponsor:
Lieto Parish,
Finland.

Film Distributor:
Onandjokwe Medical Museum

Year of Production:
2024.

Copy right Owner:

Mr. Kleopas Nghikefelwa &
Lieto Parish

Main Distributor
Onandjokwe Medical Museum.
Kleopas Nghikefelwa

If you would like to order a copy of this film and supports, sponsor or donate
to this notable non-profitable project;

“Please”
Feel free to contact us
Mr. Kleopas Nghikefelwa
Email:kleopasn@gmail.com Mobile: +264 812755616.