Olufuko festival kicks off

The Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival officially opened on Friday under the theme ‘Culture: Our Heritage, Our Pride’. It will run until 1 July.Outapi spokesperson Joolokeni Haidula said that since its establishment in 2012, the festival has grown into one of Namibia's most significant cultural events.Haidula said approximately 140 girls will be initiated and were scheduled to arrive with their parents on Sunday.She added that, as per the festival's traditional goals, the girls are mentored for adult life, including marriage, pregnancy and caring for their families.Participants who registered for this year hail from the Ombalantu, Ombandja, Ongandjera, Uukwambi, Uukwaluudhi and Uukolongadhi traditional authorities and will undergo the significant rite of passage at the Olufuko Centre from 22 to 29 June.Haidula added that the festival continues to attract enthusiastic participation from small and medium enterprises, as well as a wide range of public and private stakeholders.She explained that the 2025 festival is dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of the late founding president Sam Nujoma, whose lifelong dedication to cultural preservation continues to inspire Namibians to safeguard their traditions.Haidula said Nujoma believed that "Olufuko is a crucial tool for the preservation of culture for young girls. It is a sign of excellence and a platform to educate the nation about cultural values, norms and heritage".Highlights Among the organisations present at the festival, which will provide on-site services and educational displays, are the home affairs, immigration, safety and security ministry, the Office of the Auditor-General; the information and communication technology ministry; the education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture ministry and the Electoral Commission of Namibia.Other participants include the agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform ministry; Tunacor Group Limited; Nakayale Vocational Training Centre; Nipile Vocational Institution; representatives from the University of Namibia's Ogongo campus and Welwitchia University.The official opening ceremony will take place on Friday and is expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare.Festival gates will be open daily from 08:00 to 22:00, with entrance fees set at N$10 for children and N$20 for adults.

Olufuko festival kicks off

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-11

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Olufuko festival kicks off

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-11

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