Tamboernooitjies seniors take centre stage
Heather Erdmann REHOBOTH – In a quiet yard in Block B, laughter rises before a single marching step is taken. The Silwer Hare (Silver Hair) Tamboernooitjies, a senior drum majorette troupe locally known as trompoppies (drum majorettes), are rehearsing more than choreography. They are rehearsing memory, discipline and identity. Made up of 12 senior women,... The post Tamboernooitjies seniors take centre stage appeared first on New Era .
Heather Erdmann
REHOBOTH – In a quiet yard in Block B, laughter rises before a single marching step is taken. The Silwer Hare (Silver Hair) Tamboernooitjies, a senior drum majorette troupe locally known as trompoppies (drum majorettes), are rehearsing more than choreography. They are rehearsing memory, discipline and identity.
Made up of 12 senior women, down from an original 14 members, the group forms part of the Namibia Senior Citizens Association (NSCA), a nationwide organisation operating across eight regions in Namibia. In Rehoboth, the troupe has become a distinctive cultural presence through its drum majorette-style performances, bringing visibility to senior participation in the arts.
Their roots trace back to the NSCA, founded in 1986 by the late Benjamin Jagger, who dedicated much of his life to advocating for the dignity, welfare, and active participation of older persons. The association continues to promote social inclusion through cultural programmes, sports, traditional games, and community gatherings across Namibia.
The Tamboernooitjies were established in 2025 and have already performed at several major events, including the national senior citizens’ gathering in Oshakati in 2025, Independence Day celebrations in Mariental in March 2026, local community functions, and the groundbreaking ceremony for a sports facility in Rehoboth on 11 March 2026. Another performance is planned for the association’s national gathering in Lüderitz later this year.
