ONAMEGA – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the annual Omagongo Festival continues to play a critical role in strengthening unity among Namibians while preserving the country’s cultural norms, values and traditions for future generations.
The President made these remarks during the 16th edition of the Omagongo festival at Onamega in Omusati region on Saturday, where thousands of people from across Namibia and beyond gathered to celebrate the marula harvest through traditional dances, cultural performances and exhibitions.
Clad in colourful traditional attire, attendees from different regions and communities filled the festival arena as cultural groups showcased traditional dances, songs and customs that have been preserved for generations.
Omagongo Festival, which rotates annually among the eight northern traditional authorities, has become one of Namibia’s most recognised cultural events.
It serves as a platform to strengthen relationships among communities while promoting indigenous heritage and tourism.
“Events such as the Omagongo Festival remind us of the importance of unity, cultural pride and collective identity as Namibians.
Our traditions should continue bringing our people together,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
Hosted by the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, this year’s celebration marked the first festival officiated by the Head od State as patron following the death of founding patron Founding President Sam Nujoma last year.
“Let us, therefore, heed the wisdom and continue nurturing our cultural roots.
With true unity and collective effort, we can ensure that the Omagongo Festival remains a thriving symbol of culture, progress and national identity,” she said.
Speakers at the event stressed that cultural preservation remains important in promoting social cohesion and ensuring that younger generations appreciate their roots and identity.
“The preservation of culture goes hand in hand with tourism. UNESCO strongly believes that empowering young people through culture creates opportunities for learning, social inclusion, creativity, entrepreneurship and economic development,” read a UNESCO message delivered by information minister Emma Theofelus.
Uukwambi Traditional Authority’s Elenga Enene Ndilimani Iipumbu said the marula tree continues to symbolise togetherness and unity among Aawambo communities, adding that the festival was established to ensure that traditional practices and values do not disappear with time.
“We undertook this important initiative to ensure we celebrate our cultural heritage as a way to prevent the possible extinction of our cultural norms and values as established by our forefathers. This event, for the past 16 years, has been a blueprint for our cultural heritage and indeed a unifying force not only for our traditional authorities in northern Namibia but also for all of Namibia,” Iipumbu said.
The traditional leader further encouraged young people to actively participate in cultural activities and take responsibility for preserving indigenous knowledge and customs for future generations.
According to Iipumbu, the continued growth of the festival demonstrates the commitment of communities and traditional leaders towards safeguarding Namibia’s cultural identity while strengthening national unity.
“It is now up to our youth to ensure that they pass the baton on to generations to come. If they embrace our traditions today, our culture will remain alive tomorrow,” he added.
Iipumbu also announced that the 17th edition of the Omagongo Festival will be hosted by the Uukwaludhi Traditional Authority next year.
Last year’s festival was hosted by the Uukwanyama Traditional Authority in the Ohangwena region.