Nujoma’s legacy honoured at Olufuko

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare officially opened the 11th Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival on Friday at the Olufuko Centre in Outapi – the first celebration held without the festival’s late patron, founding president Sam Nujoma.Ngurare paid tribute to Nujoma’s legacy, who had served as the festival’s patron since its revival in 2012 until his passing earlier this year.“His footprints, his teachings, his voice resonate in every aspect of this event,” the prime minister said.“He believed deeply in the power of culture to ground and guide a people. As he often reminded us, ‘A nation without culture is like a tree without roots'".Ngurare praised the festival as a living symbol of cultural identity, describing it as a platform that connects generations and empowers young women. He noted that this year’s event will see 138 girls participating in the Olufuko initiation ceremony, the highest number since the festival’s revival.“This is a powerful symbol of growth and commitment to cultural preservation across all 14 regions of our free and independent Namibia,” he said.“We are not only attending an event, we are reaffirming our identity, heritage and our respect for those who came before us,” Ngurare added.Tackling unfinished projects He used the platform to reiterate government’s commitment to cultural preservation through educational reforms, support to traditional authorities, protection of heritage sites and mainstreaming cultural content in schools.Beyond tradition, Ngurare also highlighted the importance of self-reliance, citing Nujoma’s vision for water, energy and food security. The prime minister further announced that government has reinstated “food for work” and “cash for work” programmes aimed at supporting youth and women, particularly through cleaning and de-bushing initiatives in communities.Additionally, he said plans are underway to conduct a feasibility study for a major desalination project that will channel water from the Atlantic Ocean inland to address water scarcity across the northern regions – a long-held dream of the late founding president.“As the living, let us commit to complete these unfinished projects in the interest of our country and our people,” said Ngurare.This year’s Olufuko annual festival kicked off on Friday last week and ends on Tuesday.

Nujoma’s legacy honoured at Olufuko

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-21

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Nujoma’s legacy honoured at Olufuko

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-21

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