Children play a part in Ovambanderu parade competition

OKAHANDJA, 20 JUN  – Children participated for the first time in the Ovambanderu parade competition during the 122nd commemoration of the late Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva in Okahandja over the weekend.
They partook in activities like drills, horse riding and the popular dance, outjina, which were eye-catching during the annual Ovambanderu commemorations to honour those who lost their lives in the fight against colonial occupation.
In an interview with Nampa on Monday, marketing coordinator of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority, Annaco Tjijombo said the purpose of the competition is not only to entertain the guests, but also to promote the Ovambanderu culture.
“We hold these competitions every year to encourage commandos to take these activities seriously and encourage the children to participate in cultural activities,” said Tjijombo.
The parade competition was twofold; the adult and children categories. The winners were awarded trophies.
Out of nine groups of this year’s competition, four were children groups with participants aged between 8 and 13.
Windhoek-based Commando Four took the trophy for best drill in the senior category, while Epukiro Post 3 Junior Secondary School won the kids category. The two groups were also given barbeque meat as parade winners.
Gobabis and Drimiopsis Primary School were the runners-up for the drill competition in the adults and children categories respectively.
The defending champion for the best dressed group award, Ovingi-mbirikandjoze retained the title, while Good Hope Primary School (Okovimburu) won this trophy in the junior group.
Commando Four took the runners-up award for children in the best dressed group with Gobabis taking the adult group trophy.
Epukiro’s Commando One retained its trophy for the horse riding competition, while Otjijapa from Omaruru came in second place.
Lieutenant General Kapanda Marenga, who is also a member of the organising committee, said the inclusion of child groups in the competition added value to the event.
Marenga is hopeful that in next year’s event, there will be productions and displays that will exhibit the capturing and torturing of Chief Kahimemua Nguvauva during the battle of Otjunda.
“We will also include ombimbi and omuhiva in the competition to promote it and teach these youngsters next year,” concluded Marenga.
About N.dollars 5 000 was spent on this year’s competition, according to the organisers.

NAMPA