Nujoma urges Namibians to appreciate cultural heritage

ONALUSHWA, 27 MAY – Founding President and Omagongo Annual Cultural Festival patron, Sam Nujoma said Namibian communities need to appreciate cultural heritage that defines their contribution to intercultural dialogue and sustenance of the ways of life.

Nujoma said this whilst officiating at the celebration of the 2018 Omagongo Cultural Festival hosted by Omukwaniilwa (king) of Uukwaluudhi, Josia Shikongo Taapopi at his royal house at Onalushwa village in the Omusati Region’s Tsandi Constituency on Saturday.

The festival is celebrated annually on a rotation basis by the eight Aawambo communities; Oukwanyama, Ondonga, Uukwaluudhi, Uukwambi, Ongandjera, Ombalantu, Uukolonkadhi and Ombadja.

Nujoma said Awaambo people tried finding the one thing they have in common in order to celebrate their cultural heritage and as such they selected the marula beer (Omagongo) season.

He said from the marula tree, Aawambo get shade, the fruit (ongongo), the juice (oshiwa), the fermented beer (omagongo), the oil (ozowe) and the kernels as soup.

The Omagongo fest traditionally served as a platform called ohungi, where Aawambo communities among themselves practice their cultural norms and values.

For example, no person is allowed to carry a weapon during Omagongo season (February to April).
“Ohungi was an important and meaningful instrument in the life of communities to bequeath values and traditional norms to the younger generation,” Nujoma told those present.

He at the same time expressed dissatisfaction that nowadays parents, especially fathers, do not spend time with their children, but rather utilise most of their time abusing alcohol at cuca shops and bars.

“Because of this, the younger generation is forgetting and ignoring the significance of embracing our culture because of lack of proper cultural guidance to know who they are, where they come from and where they are going,” Nujoma said.

Chief Herman Iipumbu of Uukwambi announced at the celebration that the Ongandjera will host the 2019 Omagongo Annual Cultural Festival.

Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba and Omukwaniilwa Johannes Jafet Mupiya of Ongandjera also attended the celebration.
NAMPA