President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has highlighted the importance of cultural preservation, tourism and youth empowerment in Namibia’s development agenda while delivering the keynote address at the Masubia Cultural Festival in Bukalo, Zambezi Region. Held under the theme “Preserving our Cultural Heritage, Celebrating our Future,” the festival brought together traditional leaders and communities to celebrate the history, traditions and cultural identity of the Masubia people.
The President congratulated Munitenga Gilbert Muhongo Mutwe, Moraliswani III, on his ascension as Chief of the Masubia Traditional Authority, expressing confidence in his leadership and commending the community for reviving the festival following a six-year hiatus. She also paid tribute to the late Chief Kisco Liswani (III) for his contribution to peace, unity and nation-building, while acknowledging the participation of traditional leaders from Namibia, Botswana and Zambia as a demonstration of regional solidarity and the enduring cultural ties among communities across borders.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah described culture as a foundation of national identity and unity, stressing the need to preserve Namibia’s diverse traditions, languages, music, dance, indigenous knowledge and customs. She said the Masubia Cultural Festival provides an important platform for safeguarding this heritage while contributing to tourism development, youth empowerment and the growth of Namibia’s creative industries. The President noted that the revival of the festival aligns with the Namibian Constitution, Vision 2030 and national development priorities, particularly efforts to use cultural heritage as an avenue for economic and social development.
She urged young Namibians to learn from their elders and preserve traditional knowledge relating to farming, fishing, conflict resolution and community values, arguing that the transfer of indigenous knowledge is essential to preparing future generations. President Nandi-Ndaitwah also underscored the strategic importance of the Zambezi Region in Namibia’s tourism, agriculture, conservation and natural-resource sectors. She called for greater investment in value addition and agro-processing to ensure that local communities derive more economic benefits from the region’s resources and agricultural production.
READ: News: Namibia Expands Visa-on-Arrival Access to 28 African Countries, As Nigeria is Left Out
The President acknowledged challenges facing the region, including flooding, water shortages and inadequate agricultural processing facilities. While commending farmers for achieving good harvests, she said the Government was working to improve infrastructure and reduce post-harvest losses. She also identified youth employment and the creative industries as important areas for economic growth, reinforcing the potential for cultural festivals and traditional heritage to contribute to livelihoods and tourism. President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Traditional Authorities to continue supporting community development, preserving customary laws and documenting indigenous knowledge in collaboration with educational and research institutions.
She further encouraged traditional leaders and communities to use customary mechanisms to resolve succession and land disputes peacefully, stressing that strong traditional institutions are important to national unity and stability. Reflecting on the history of the Masubia people, the President also recognised their contribution to Namibia’s anti-colonial struggle and democratic development, while honouring freedom fighters whose sacrifices helped secure the country’s independence. She congratulated Moraliswani III and the Masubia Traditional Authority on the successful revival of the cultural festival and commended the organising committee for its efforts.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with Traditional Authorities to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Namibia, under the national spirit of “One Namibia, One Nation.”
