N$1.6 million and 36 cows pledged for Omaongo Festival
Community bands together
Dr Leake Hangala on Saturday said the primary goal of the festival is to preserve cultural heritage while also promoting unity and social cohesion among participants.
Attendees at the Omaongo Festival fundraiser gala, held at the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority in Omafo on Saturday, pledged a staggering N$1.6 million and 36 cows in support of the annual cultural festival.
The contributions will be deployed towards hosting this year’s Omaongo Festival, scheduled for 10 May at the Omhedi Palace in the Ohangwena Region.
The annual Omaongo festival, named after omaongo, a fermented juice made from marula fruits, is celebrated on a rotational basis among the eight northern traditional authorities. The festival brings people from diverse cultures together to socialise and enjoy the traditional drink.
Keynote speaker Dr Leake Hangala urged Namibians and the Oukwanyama people to assist the host, Oukwanyama Queen Martha Mwadinomho ya Kristian Nelumbu, in putting together a successful event, which will also be attended by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
All together
Hangala on Saturday emphasised that the value of a donation lies not in the amount but in giving according to one’s means. He said those unable to contribute financially can still support the festival by donating cattle, goats, chickens, omaxuku, eembe or even offering their labour.
He further explained that the primary aim of the festival is to preserve the cultural heritage of the Aawambo people while promoting unity and social cohesion among the participating tribes.
“As a nation, we want to promote the values of unity, of hard work, of love and empathy for each other, and indeed of patriotism. Patriotism in turn inspires each and every one of us by igniting in us a spirit of dedication to our country,” Hangala said.
He emphasised that the annual festival offers communities an opportunity to come together in celebration – not only to enjoy omaongo but also to sing, dance, praise their cattle and share the collective stories that connect their present and future to their past.
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The contributions will be deployed towards hosting this year’s Omaongo Festival, scheduled for 10 May at the Omhedi Palace in the Ohangwena Region.
The annual Omaongo festival, named after omaongo, a fermented juice made from marula fruits, is celebrated on a rotational basis among the eight northern traditional authorities. The festival brings people from diverse cultures together to socialise and enjoy the traditional drink.
Keynote speaker Dr Leake Hangala urged Namibians and the Oukwanyama people to assist the host, Oukwanyama Queen Martha Mwadinomho ya Kristian Nelumbu, in putting together a successful event, which will also be attended by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
All together
Hangala on Saturday emphasised that the value of a donation lies not in the amount but in giving according to one’s means. He said those unable to contribute financially can still support the festival by donating cattle, goats, chickens, omaxuku, eembe or even offering their labour.
He further explained that the primary aim of the festival is to preserve the cultural heritage of the Aawambo people while promoting unity and social cohesion among the participating tribes.
“As a nation, we want to promote the values of unity, of hard work, of love and empathy for each other, and indeed of patriotism. Patriotism in turn inspires each and every one of us by igniting in us a spirit of dedication to our country,” Hangala said.
He emphasised that the annual festival offers communities an opportunity to come together in celebration – not only to enjoy omaongo but also to sing, dance, praise their cattle and share the collective stories that connect their present and future to their past.
[email protected]
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