Olufuko festival to be held in honour of Nujoma
Celebration of unity and identity
Though Nujoma is no longer physically present, his vision remains central to Olufuko's goals.
The organisers of the Olufuko Cultural Festival have confirmed that the event will continue in honour of Namibia’s late founding president, Sam Nujoma.
Described as a celebration of tradition and a tribute to cultural legacies passed down through generations, the festival has become a key platform for showcasing Namibia’s diverse customs.
It also plays a growing role in promoting social and economic empowerment, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), organisers said.
Despite initial criticism when it was first revived in 2012, the Olufuko Cultural Festival was supported by late founding president Sam Nujoma, who became its patron.
Nujoma described the event as a chance to educate schoolgirls about their heritage.
The former statesman stressed that only Namibians can promote and preserve their culture.
Outapi town spokesperson Joolokeni Haidula confirmed that this year's festival will take place from 20 June to 1 July at the Olufuko Centre in Outapi, promising an extraordinary celebration of unity and identity.
She told Namibian Sun yesterday that the 2025 festival will be dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of Nujoma, whose lifelong commitment to cultural preservation continues to inspire Namibians. Nujoma passed away in February.
“Although he is no longer physically present, his vision remains fundamental to Olufuko’s mission. Supporting the festival is not only an investment in Namibia’s heritage but also a tribute to a leader whose contributions have profoundly shaped the nation,” she said.
Generational treasure preserved
She also noted that a key element of this year’s event is the initiation ceremony.
To date, 112 girls from various traditional authorities have registered to participate, with registration ongoing until 22 June.
Participants are set to undergo the significant rite of passage at the Olufuko Centre from 22 to 29 June.
Haidula added that many of the initiates are school learners and tertiary students from across Namibia, helping to ensure that cultural knowledge is passed on to the younger generation.
All Namibians are invited to embrace their cultural roots, celebrate their traditions and foster unity through participation in this grand festival, she said.
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Described as a celebration of tradition and a tribute to cultural legacies passed down through generations, the festival has become a key platform for showcasing Namibia’s diverse customs.
It also plays a growing role in promoting social and economic empowerment, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), organisers said.
Despite initial criticism when it was first revived in 2012, the Olufuko Cultural Festival was supported by late founding president Sam Nujoma, who became its patron.
Nujoma described the event as a chance to educate schoolgirls about their heritage.
The former statesman stressed that only Namibians can promote and preserve their culture.
Outapi town spokesperson Joolokeni Haidula confirmed that this year's festival will take place from 20 June to 1 July at the Olufuko Centre in Outapi, promising an extraordinary celebration of unity and identity.
She told Namibian Sun yesterday that the 2025 festival will be dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of Nujoma, whose lifelong commitment to cultural preservation continues to inspire Namibians. Nujoma passed away in February.
“Although he is no longer physically present, his vision remains fundamental to Olufuko’s mission. Supporting the festival is not only an investment in Namibia’s heritage but also a tribute to a leader whose contributions have profoundly shaped the nation,” she said.
Generational treasure preserved
She also noted that a key element of this year’s event is the initiation ceremony.
To date, 112 girls from various traditional authorities have registered to participate, with registration ongoing until 22 June.
Participants are set to undergo the significant rite of passage at the Olufuko Centre from 22 to 29 June.
Haidula added that many of the initiates are school learners and tertiary students from across Namibia, helping to ensure that cultural knowledge is passed on to the younger generation.
All Namibians are invited to embrace their cultural roots, celebrate their traditions and foster unity through participation in this grand festival, she said.
[email protected]
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