Choi
Chief of the Mashi Traditional Authority Joseph Tembwe Mayuni says traditional ceremonies play an important role in “safeguarding the nation against loss of identity, erosion of the moral fabric and loss of cultural values”.
Mayuni shared these sentiments at the annual Tulikonge cultural festival on Sunday that was attended by thousands at Choi, his traditional seat, located about 115 km west of Katima Mulilo.
According to Chief Mayuni, gatherings like cultural festivals can play a significant role in the promotion of the Nationhood Campaign, which aims to promote national pride.
“I, therefore, call upon my fellow traditional leaders to use cultural ceremonies as a tool to promote social cohesion, peace and stability and to avoid entertaining any destructive elements that yield tribal animosities,” Mayuni said.
He also joined other traditional leaders, who have called on government to punish those who entertain tribal sentiments. “In order to effectively deal with tribalism I request the government to legislate punishment for those that are found guilty of perpetuating tribalism. Tribalism and corruption should share the same punishment as the one is a form of the other,” he said.
Mayuni also pointed out that mutual respect and recognition of cultural diversity remains the cornerstone of peace and stability in Namibia and that the rich history of the Mafwe community should not only be celebrated, but every effort should be made to produce books on its cultural foundations.
“Such efforts will prove rewarding for the wellbeing of our future generations. I, therefore, call on all academics, historians and the intellectual community to take an active interest in the area of publishing,” he advised.
At the same event Mayuni thanked government for the effective implementation of capital projects, notably the completion of the Kongola-Linyanti road, the Kongola-Singalamwe road, the crocodile farm and the ongoing infrastructure projects at Singalamwe.
He, however, stressed that his community still faces challenges of water shortage, a lack of electricity and some have to travel long distances to reach health facilities.
“I would like to also extend a request to the government to seriously look into the plight of the Singalamwe and Masida community, who have to travel long distances to reach a health facility. A lot of valuable lives are being lost in the process of trying to access a health centre,” he further noted.
In a move that signifies tribal unity the festival for the first time brought together three chiefs: Masubia Chief Kisco Maiba Liswani III and Mayeyi Chief Boniface Shufu also attended. Chief George Simasiku Mamili could not attend due to other pressing engagements.