Zebaldt Ngaruka
DRIMIOPSIS – Ovambanderu will assemble in the Omaheke region’s Otjombinde constituency for the official opening ceremony of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority (OTA) for 2026 tomorrow. The event will be held at the Ovambanderu Kommando in Tallismanus.
Speaking to New Era yesterday, OTA spokesperson Uazenga Ngahahe said the event serves as a road map for the community.
“As a community, we have different activities and responsibilities that must be carried out yearly. This ceremony will enable us to put everything to serve our communities,” he said.
Ngahahe added that the ceremony also provides opportunities for the OTA leadership to share ideas with their community. “We share and gather ideas with the masses in many aspects of life. Our people need to be fully equipped with information, and their ideas are also needed,” said the spokesperson.
The gathering will also honour the fallen Ovambanderu heroes, in the name of Cleophas Heuva, traditional priests Edward Mainjunguruka Ndjoze and Elifas Tjingaete, amongst others.
“These late community forebearers played a pivotal role in the existence of Ovambanderu in the Otjombinde constituency. They deserve a special honour from the community they served during the difficult time of colonial oppression,” said Ngahahe.
The Ovambanderu database and this year’s commemoration will be among the key issues to be discussed.
“We will also look into avenues that will generate finance for the OTA, where Chief Tjozohongo II Nguvauva will officially announce the N$365 mandatory payment from all the Ovambanderu into the community account yearly,” he said.
He added that there will be reports from the Supreme Council and Secretariat and discussions about Foot and Mouth Disease and education.
The spokesperson further called on the youth to participate in the gathering, as they are one of the key pillars of the community.
“Our late Chief Munjuku II Nguvauva led this community at a tender age; thus, you must always present yourselves at events. That is why we have a youth leadership structure in our management,” said Ngahahe.
He also recognised the Ovambanderu Women’s Council, urging them to continue playing their active role in community affairs.
Ngahahe said unity among the Ovambanderu must be the key feature, as there is no benefit in division.
In addition, Otjombinde’s general mayor, Heendino Tjitunga, said the Kommando is ready to host the event and all logistical arrangements are in place. Tjitunga added that there will be cultural performances such as drills, outjina, omuhiva, dramas and horse drills.
“This will be one of the memorable events in our community, as we have put everything in place,” he said. On the day, Nguvauva will also officially inaugurate the new toilet facilities built for the Otjombinde Kommando in Tallismanus.
The event will end on Sunday.