Zebaldt Ngaruka 

EPUKIRO-The Ovambanderu community had a vibrant cultural gathering in the United Kingdom (UK)  town of Wigan recently. 

The event brought together community members to reconnect, celebrate traditions, and strengthen unity among the Ovambanderu in diaspora. 

Varuka Tjituka, one of the event organisers, shared with New Era on Monday that the gathering was a platform to reflect on the achievements of the past years and to set expectations for the year ahead.

The attendees, amongst others, enjoyed a variety of cultural activities, including marching, traditional dancing, and discussions on the preservation of Ovambanderu customs.

“This was an interesting event as special focus was placed on the importance of traditional attire. This attire is one of the symbols of our culture. Thus, we touched on how it should be worn, presented, and respected within the community,” Tjituka said.

Following the passing of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority senior traditional councillor Gerson Kunomundu Katjirua in April, all Ovambanderu commemoration events were cancelled for this year, and this gathering was an opportunity for Ovambanderu to mingle with each other this year.

“Participants also shared meals, barbecues and storytelling, creation of joy, togetherness, and cultural pride. Everyone was happy and enjoyed the sense of unity and belonging,” he added.

Kevin Nguvauva, one of the organising committee members, told this publication that there is a need to open a Commando in the UK to accommodate the Ovambanderu.

Nguvauva added that plans are there to invite the Ovambanderu leadership for the sake of keeping up the culture and traditions despite being far away from home.

“Our culture is prime, and we have young Ovambanderus born here who need to be enlightened more about our culture. We are many here, we have our brothers and sisters from Botswana who are here in Northern Ireland and need to know about their roots as Ovambanderu,”  he said.

The London-based Ovambanderu councillor Annaco Shirley Tjijombo said the gathering was a significant step for the community to revive its culture.

“This is complementary work for the organisers as we are spread across the UK and we don’t have to forget our roots. We have to pull together and embrace our culture despite all odds,”  said Tjijombo, among others. -zngaruka@yahoo.com