OUTAPI – Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said Founding President Sam Nujoma was a true leader who believed deeply in the power of culture to ground and guide a people.
“As he often reminded us, ‘A nation without culture is like a tree without roots.’ Indeed, through his leadership and vision, Olufuko was revived and recognised as more than a ceremony, it became a national treasure. A space to connect generations. A bridge from tradition to transformation. A proud declaration of who we are and who we strive to be,” he stressed.
Ngurare made these remarks on Friday while officiating at the Olufuko Cultural Festival in Outapi, in the Omusati region.
A moment of silence was observed in honour of Nujoma.
This year, a total of 138 girls, including university graduates have participated in the Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival.
It also attracted over 60 informal traders and various organisations showcasing their products at the festival.
The Prime Minister said Olufuko Cultural Festival has a strong foundation of leadership, which is why it keeps on growing.
“We are here not only to attend this event, but to reaffirm our commitment and dedication to the values that shape us as a nation, which are identity, heritage and respect for those who came before us.”
He added that their footsteps echo the memory of the late Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation, Nujoma, who served as the Olufuko patron from its inception in 2012, until the time of his passing.
“It is notable, therefore, that we pause to commend and congratulate the parents who are supporting Olufuko; the traditional authorities; the leaders of various religious denominations; the young people; the elderly, the business community, the academic institutions, the OMAs and indeed all the people here present and beyond. You are the present and future of Olufuko,” he further said.
Ngurare indicated that government is equally committed to the notion of cultural preservation.
Therefore, he said this is why government fully recognises that culture and tradition are not peripheral to nationhood, they are central to sustainable development, unity and social wellbeing.
“We remain steadfast in supporting the revival, preservation and innovation of indigenous knowledge systems across all regions of Namibia.”
“Through institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, and the National Heritage Council, the government continues to support cultural festivals, protect traditional sites, document indigenous languages and empower traditional leaders as vital voices for our communities,” he emphasised.
Also speaking at the festival, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said Founding President Sam Nujoma was a true patron of Olufuko and strongly believed in its significance.
She noted that Nujoma consistently supported the festival and is the reason it continues to take place today.
Meanwhile, The head of initiation, Maria Shiponeni, said the girls did not come to Olufuko to look for husbands but to participate in preserving their culture and heritage.
“Stop spreading rumours that the girls are looking for husbands. They are still going back to school,” she said.
Wilka Tuhafeni, an unemployed teacher, said she is participating in the Olufuko because she wants to preserve her culture and heritage.
She called on the public to stop spreading negative rumours about the Olufuko tradition, describing such claims as misleading and harmful to the cultural identity of the community.
The festival will end tomorrow.