Namibia: Land of Many Cultures celebrates Namibia's rich diversity

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung donated 1 045 copies of 'Namibia: Land of Many Cultures - Living Between Tradition and Modernity' to the National Library and Archive Service’s Community Library this month.

Edited by Charmaine ǁGamxamûs and Erika von Wietersheim, the book features contributions from over 30 writers and has sold more than 2 000 copies since its 2025 publication by the Namibia Scientific Society and Kuiseb Publishers.

With photos, maps and accessible writing, the book serves as both a cultural reference and a practical educational tool.

It celebrates Namibia’s heritage while promoting dialogue, understanding, and respect among communities.

Co-editor Erika von Wietersheim said the project was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Namibia Scientific Society and the 40th anniversary of Kuiseb Publishers.

“We wanted to publish a book that would involve and speak to all Namibians and that would fill a gap in the book market – a book about the people of Namibia, not as written before by missionaries or ethnographers with a view from outside, but by the people themselves,” she explained.

Bringing together the Namibian House

The donation will be shared among public and private schools across Namibia, serving as both an educational resource and a tool to foster dialogue and mutual respect.

“When a book enters a library, it no longer belongs to an individual; it belongs to the entire community," Anna Hoffmann-Kwanga of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung said.

Sarah Iyaloo Negumbo of the National Library and Archive Service highlighted the book’s relevance and its donation to the education ministry.

She also noted: "'Namibia: Land of Many Cultures' explores cultures living between tradition and modernity."

Edda Bohn, deputy executive director at the education ministry, said: "This publication captures the richness and diversity of our Namibian cultural heritage… Your investment in sharing this learning material is contributing to building the knowledge capital that will shape the future of our country.”

A diverse set of voices

The book presents at least 15 cultural groups, including Aawambo, Kavango, OvaHerero, Damara, Nama, San, Rehoboth Basters, Coloured communities, European-descendant communities, and Chinese Namibians.

Each chapter includes interviews with both older and younger community members, capturing the continuity and adaptation of cultural traditions.

Von Wietersheim emphasised its importance for young Namibians: “We live in one Namibian House, and therefore, we have to find common rules and common ground. To find these, we have to first know about our differences, understand them, discuss them, and then go forward… The book can help young Namibians to understand, cooperate and go forward.”