Zebaldt Ngaruka

GOBABIS – A Cattle Cultural Festival held under the auspices of Epukiro Cattle Museum in Omaheke region’s Epukiro constituency over the weekend, was described as a success.

The festival was held as part of the Namibian Heritage Week, which was celebrated nationwide from 15 to 21 September 2025.

This year’s celebration was themed ‘Torchbearers of Our Heritage’, which encouraged Namibians to take pride in and actively preserve the nation’s diverse cultural and natural heritage, passing on traditions and knowledge to future generations.

Speaking to VIBEZ recently after the event, Ngungaa Hangara, the chairperson of the organising committee, said this event attracted close to 200 participants, which is a huge increase compared to last year, where around 130 people took part.

“This festival was aimed at educating Namibians about the significance of cattle and their cultural significance of the animals. We depend on the cattle; thus, it is imperative to enlighten more about them as cattle have become part of our culture,” said Hangara.

Despite the physical attendance of the audience, Hangara said the event was also attended by 1400 online viewers.

The festival was officially opened by the constituency councillor Piniel Packy Pakarae, and thereafter followed by speeches from various traditional leaders who emphasised the importance of cattle.

Among the leaders present was the Hoveka Traditional Authority Chief Turimuro Hoveka, senior Ovambanderu Traditional Authority councillor Pineas Siririka, while Muhonge Kazombaue represented Ovaherero Traditional Authority.

Hangara said the festival’s key highlights were cultural performances, experts, traditional singers, and learners from Epukiro Secondary School, as well as learners from Okovimburu-based Good Hope Primary School.

The event had insightful discussions on the importance of Heritage Week, the cultural significance of cattle, vernacular names for various cattle, coat colours, and horn shapes.

“These are very important, and the young ones must be taught about cattle at a tender age as it is part of preserving of our culture. That was one of the important parts of the festival,” he said.

The chairperson further expressed his gratitude to the traditional leaders, community members, and the learners who made it to the festival.

“Your presence made this event a success, and we also acknowledged the presence of Morukutu Primary School from Otjijarua settlement. The performance from the San community under Harnas was also exceptional and brought special flavour to the event,” he noted.

Hangara also thanked the Museum Association of Namibia, National Art Council, Livestock and Livestock Products Board, and Eastern Epukiro Farmers Association for sponsoring the second edition of the Cattle Cultural Festival.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com