The Landeshauptmann (state captain) of South West Africa from 1891-1894, Curt von Francois believed that the Nama had "outlived their day" and embarked on a policy of extermination with regard to the Witbooi, a prominent Nama tribe led by Hendrik Witbooi.  When he was unable to defeat Witbooi in battle, Theodor Leutwein was appointed as his replacement.  Leutwein's ten-year rule in South West Africa was marked by two distinct policies: preservation and tolerance of the Witbooi and the gradual appropriation of the Ovaherero's resources.