- The OvaHimba tribe of the Namib desert, descendants of the Ancient Egyptians from the era of Queen Nefertiti, and once the richest nomadic tribe in Africa, find themselves on the brink of extinction. Trapped in the 1904 Herero-Nama war, they flee and settle in the godforsaken wastes of Kaokoland. Weary of the name 'OvaHimba' - which means 'beggars' - Chief Nguzu has a strategy for resolving their plight.—Gerhard Uys
- A Fire in Africa is the story of Omusuverua Muharukua, a member of the OvaHimba tribe. Descendants of the Ancient Egyptians from the era of Queen Nefertiti, these people were once the richest nomadic tribe in Africa. Trapped in the 1904 Herero-Nama war, they fled into the godforsaken wastes of the Namib - the oldest desert in the world.
Weary of the name 'OvaHimba' - which means 'beggars' - Chief Nguzu sees in his grandson a strategy for resolving their plight. Nguzu, is the first to notice a smouldering fire within Omusu. He sends him to school in Ohopoho, where Omusu learns English, grows in faith and, at a nearby army camp, comes into contact with the mystical martial art of karate.
Nguzu has a clear strategy to assure the tribe's future. He envisages Omusu as the next leader of the OvaHimba - a leader who will save his tribe from extinction. Nguzu, who failed to fulfil this role himself, has suffered from guilt all his life. Nguzu hopes that Omusu will lead his people to become the proud and prosperous tribe they once were.
Omusu is forced into confrontation with the customs of his tribe when his best friend is killed by an evil man named Omurue. When he questions the workings of the traditional judicial system, he is banished from his village. Alone, but determined, he sets off on a journey across the desert to the capital city.
At a leading martial arts school in Windhoek, he soon attains a black belt in karate. Thanks to his natural talent and exceptionally fast reflexes, he is given the opportunity of a lifetime - to join the Namibian karate team in a tournament against the USA world champions.
After the championships, he travels back to his tribe to reclaim his fiancée and newborn child before they fall victim to his arch-enemy, Omurue. Omusu defeats Omurue in combat, is hailed as a hero and welcomed back into the tribe.
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