WALVIS BAY – Gaob Justus //Garoeb’s endorsement of Swapo presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the candidate of choice ahead of the national polls, has been met with mixed feelings.
//Garoeb endorsed Swapo vice president Nandi-Ndaitwah at the Gaob festival over the weekend. The move stirred mixed reactions among the #Nukoen/Damara community and members of the United Democratic Front (UDF) political party.
The UDF, which has made substantial financial sponsorship to the festival over the years, described the endorsement as a slap in the face from //Garoeb, one of the party’s founders. In his address, //Garoeb highlighted the need for more women in high-ranking positions, noting that men have historically dominated these roles.
“For years, only men were at the forefront of our political landscape. Women are now slowly moving into top roles, and I believe the time has come for a woman to lead,” //Garoeb said through an interpreter. He added that he personally feels Nandi-Ndaitwah should be given the chance to become Namibia’s next president.
Despite being invited to the festival, Nandi-Ndaitwah was unable to attend and sent
apologies.
The endorsement sparked a range of reactions within the Nukoen community. Some attendees felt the cultural event should remain apolitical, with the Gaob’s endorsement seen by others as overshadowing the festival’s traditional purpose.
“A cultural event should not turn into a political campaign,” said one of the attendees.
Unhappy
The UDF has since distanced itself from //Garoeb’s statement, emphasising that his endorsement of Nandi-Ndaitwah does not reflect the party’s stance.
UDF spokesperson Mubasen Narib issued a statement clarifying that the UDF already had its own presidential candidate, Hendrik Gaobaeb, and does not support anyone else.
Narib stressed that, as a traditional leader, //Garoeb should remain politically neutral.
“While we respect the Gaob’s right to express his views, he spoke in a personal capacity. UDF members are urged to focus on supporting our presidential candidate and to campaign for the UDF’s representation in the National Assembly,” he said.
The UDF further noted that, while it has supported the Gaob festival since its inception, the party is reconsidering its contributions to the event if it continues to serve as a platform for political endorsements.
“We all support different political parties and should be able to attend our festival without fear or political bias. The Gaob festival should bring us together as Damara people, free from political division,” said Narib.
Festival
The Gaob festival, also known as the Annual Cultural Damara Festival, took place on Saturday in Okombahe.
The festival has been taking place since the early 70s and the celebrations signify the value of cultural and traditional heritage of the Damara people. It is also seen as a special day to honour the Goab, //Garoeb.
Various clans and sub-clan take pride in the day to parade in their traditional attire, followed by the singing of traditional songs and dances. The festival includes traditional ceremonies, music, dance, and speeches, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the people. It also provides a platform for community discussions on social and political matters, though it traditionally focuses on cultural preservation rather than political endorsements.
The festival, which initially faced potential cancellation due to funding issues, proceeded with support from local WhatsApp groups, which rallied resources to make the event possible.