Revolutionary Papers

Revolutionary Papers is a transnational research collaboration exploring 20th century periodicals of Leftanti-imperial and anti-colonial critical production. Read More

Jacob Marengo (1875-1907)

Jacob Marengo was the leader of more than 50 battles of resistance against Germans settlers between 1904-1908. He was best known for his ability to unite Nama and Herero rivals into his guerrilla army. His army, at various points, included Witboois, and some Xhosas and Namaquas from both sides of the Orange River.  Born of a Herero mother and a Nama father, Marengo had a vision of broad African nationalism beyond ethnic loyalties. This is why so many revolutionaries liked his vision for the future of Africa.  Nama-speaking people often refer to his love for humanity, and that he was the first leader to allow women to speak at council meetings. He employed guerrilla tactics and gained a reputation within the German army as a strategic genius and a noble fighter, earning him his nickname, “the Black Napoleon.” Marengo was eventually tracked down through cooperation between German troops and British police. Then he was shot and killed in a battle between his forces and a united German-British army, on September 20, 1907.

His history was totally forgotten…. He was one of the first people who tried to unite the people in Namibia or what was called South West Africa at the time. He was a master in the art of guerrilla war…   I am sure if he was alive, he would be one of the people in the Yu Chi Chan Club…When we came, people didn’t even mention him. This is why we called the school Jacob Marengo. He is very low key but he was a brilliant fighter and a statesman.
— Ottilie Abrahams, 2017