Heritage Week unites Namibians
‘Torchbearers of our Heritage’
Namibian Heritage Week 2025 was officially launched Monday with cultural performances by the Díaz Primary School Cultural Group and the Lüderitz Youth Choir at the Lüderitz Old Power Station, home to the Namibia Maritime Museum.
This year’s Heritage Week is being celebrated from 15 to 21 September under the theme \'Bahindi Belambi Lye Chizo Chetu\', which loosely translates to \'Torchbearers of our Heritage\'.
Helke Mocke, chairperson of the Namibian Heritage Week 2025 team, reminded attendees that heritage is not a relic of the past.
“It is a living, breathing force carried forward by all Namibians. This week is not just about museums or monuments. It’s about the stories we tell, the languages we speak, the food we prepare, the songs we sing, and the landscapes we cherish. It’s about us, our identity, our pride and our shared future,” she said.
Mocke challenged Namibians to recognise the value of every language, tradition and community.
"To be a torchbearer means to take responsibility. It means safeguarding our heritage, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come," she added.
"Whether you are a teacher, a farmer, an artist or a student, you have a role to play in preserving what makes Namibia unique."
Torchbearers
Mocke also encouraged Namibians to participate in events across the country. “Heritage is not static. It evolves, it adapts, and it survives through us. Wear your traditional attire, cook your grandmother’s recipes, visit your local museum, or simply share your story online. This week is yours.”
Councillor Brigitte Fredericks said Heritage Week offers Namibians the chance to honour the wisdom of their ancestors, appreciate the diversity that enriches their society, and reflect on the values that bind them together.
“We are blessed with a wealth of traditions, languages, and practices that form the threads of our national identity. As we embark on these celebrations, exhibitions, performances and conversations, let us do so with open hearts and deep appreciation for the beauty of our roots as torchbearers of our heritage.”
This year’s Heritage Week is being celebrated from 15 to 21 September under the theme \'Bahindi Belambi Lye Chizo Chetu\', which loosely translates to \'Torchbearers of our Heritage\'.
Helke Mocke, chairperson of the Namibian Heritage Week 2025 team, reminded attendees that heritage is not a relic of the past.
“It is a living, breathing force carried forward by all Namibians. This week is not just about museums or monuments. It’s about the stories we tell, the languages we speak, the food we prepare, the songs we sing, and the landscapes we cherish. It’s about us, our identity, our pride and our shared future,” she said.
Mocke challenged Namibians to recognise the value of every language, tradition and community.
"To be a torchbearer means to take responsibility. It means safeguarding our heritage, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come," she added.
"Whether you are a teacher, a farmer, an artist or a student, you have a role to play in preserving what makes Namibia unique."
Torchbearers
Mocke also encouraged Namibians to participate in events across the country. “Heritage is not static. It evolves, it adapts, and it survives through us. Wear your traditional attire, cook your grandmother’s recipes, visit your local museum, or simply share your story online. This week is yours.”
Councillor Brigitte Fredericks said Heritage Week offers Namibians the chance to honour the wisdom of their ancestors, appreciate the diversity that enriches their society, and reflect on the values that bind them together.
“We are blessed with a wealth of traditions, languages, and practices that form the threads of our national identity. As we embark on these celebrations, exhibitions, performances and conversations, let us do so with open hearts and deep appreciation for the beauty of our roots as torchbearers of our heritage.”
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