Annette Mabuku

KATIMA MULILO - Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu has commended the tribes in the region for slowly refraining from social ills of tribalism, but warned them against secessionism.

Sampofu said tribalism is a disease that will destroy unity in the region, and reprimanded those who have been trying to cut the region from Namibia. Speaking at the Lusata Cultural Festival of the Mafwe Traditional Authority on Sunday, the governor reiterated that Zambezi is and will always be part and parcel of Namibia.

“You want to cut Zambezi and take it where? We don’t want to see 2 August 1999 again,” said the governor, referring to the secession attempt in the region. 

According to Sampofu, the region is known as the food basket, and hence its inhabitants should till the land and feed not only the region, but also the entire country.

“This region is known as the food basket – this land carries millions of dollars, no one should go hungry in this region,” he reiterated.

Finance and public enterprises minister Iipumbu Shiimi, at the same event, called for more agricultural activities in the Zambezi region to feed the nation.

Shiimi cited the potential in tourism and cultural activities as some of the key elements which can contribute to the development of the region. 

He said Zambezi has plenty of wildlife which the community should benefit from in their conservancies.

Shiimi called on the community to work together with both the government and traditional authorities and develop their region.

Litunga (chief) George Simasiku Mamili VII of the Mafwe Traditional Authority commended the government on capital projects in the region and called for more agricultural projects and extension of existing markets to drive economic activities.

He also praised the government for the 24-hour border service – in operation since August this year - but called on both the Namibian and Zambian police to work together to combat crime including stock theft.

The Lusata festival of the Mafwe celebrates the cultural heritages and economic achievements every year which government has thus far contributed to the betterment of its people. Hundreds of people from different walks of life gather every first Sunday of the month of October to celebrate Lusata Day. 

-Nampa

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