Diversity is our strength, Netumbo says
Omaongo festival hailed as symbol of unity
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says festivals like the annual Omaongo event symbolise the strength and resilience of Namibians.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians to safeguard the country’s diverse cultures.
Speaking on Saturday at the Omaongo Annual Festival, she said events like these play a pivotal role in honouring traditions, sharing stories and reinforcing the commitment to preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
The president said the Omaongo festival embodies the spirit of the ancestors and stands as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Namibian people.
She also paid tribute to founding president Sam Nujoma for initiating the annual celebration, held this year under the theme 'Preservation of our cultural heritage and strengthening of our unity'.
“Our rich culture should [bring] us together," Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that "for the next five years, our theme is unity in diversity. We recognise our diversity. It must be our strength which must always be the one guiding us."
The president thanked Ohamba yOukwanyama Martha Mwadinomho ya Kristian Nelumbu for organising and hosting what she described as a “successful and colourful event”.
She also expressed gratitude to all eight traditional authorities in the Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati regions for keeping the Omaongo Annual Festival alive.
Working together
Next year’s festival will be hosted by the Uukwaluudhi and Uukwambi traditional authorities.
Uukwambi Traditional Authority chief Herman Iipumbu, who also acts as the chair of the eight traditional authorities, announced on Saturday that the decision to rotate hosting responsibilities forms part of a resolution taken last year.
The move is aimed at ensuring fair representation and participation over time.
Last year, the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority was selected to co-host this year’s celebration alongside the Ombadja Traditional Authority, which is expected to host the second leg of the festival later this year.
The omaongo season traditionally runs from February to May, during which the homemade beverage replaces other homemade drinks such as ombike, omalodu and oshikundu.
This is reflected in the lyrics of a well-known omaongo seasonal song: 'Ngongola nai kuke tu nwe oikundu' – meaning “let the omaongo season come to an end so we can drink oshikundu”.
The season is also marked by a period of harmony – communities set aside conflicts and infighting, suspend traditional court proceedings, and strictly prohibit the carrying of weapons.
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Speaking on Saturday at the Omaongo Annual Festival, she said events like these play a pivotal role in honouring traditions, sharing stories and reinforcing the commitment to preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
The president said the Omaongo festival embodies the spirit of the ancestors and stands as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Namibian people.
She also paid tribute to founding president Sam Nujoma for initiating the annual celebration, held this year under the theme 'Preservation of our cultural heritage and strengthening of our unity'.
“Our rich culture should [bring] us together," Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that "for the next five years, our theme is unity in diversity. We recognise our diversity. It must be our strength which must always be the one guiding us."
The president thanked Ohamba yOukwanyama Martha Mwadinomho ya Kristian Nelumbu for organising and hosting what she described as a “successful and colourful event”.
She also expressed gratitude to all eight traditional authorities in the Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati regions for keeping the Omaongo Annual Festival alive.
Working together
Next year’s festival will be hosted by the Uukwaluudhi and Uukwambi traditional authorities.
Uukwambi Traditional Authority chief Herman Iipumbu, who also acts as the chair of the eight traditional authorities, announced on Saturday that the decision to rotate hosting responsibilities forms part of a resolution taken last year.
The move is aimed at ensuring fair representation and participation over time.
Last year, the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority was selected to co-host this year’s celebration alongside the Ombadja Traditional Authority, which is expected to host the second leg of the festival later this year.
The omaongo season traditionally runs from February to May, during which the homemade beverage replaces other homemade drinks such as ombike, omalodu and oshikundu.
This is reflected in the lyrics of a well-known omaongo seasonal song: 'Ngongola nai kuke tu nwe oikundu' – meaning “let the omaongo season come to an end so we can drink oshikundu”.
The season is also marked by a period of harmony – communities set aside conflicts and infighting, suspend traditional court proceedings, and strictly prohibit the carrying of weapons.
- [email protected]
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