Five Kavango Kingdoms Say They Did Not Endorse Kavango People Forum Attire
The Five Kingdoms/Traditional Authorities of Kavango have clarified that they did not endorse the Kavango People Forum’s introduction of traditional attire, insisting that it should be identified as the Forum’s attire rather than traditional attire representing all Kavango communities.
Speaking through Eugene Siwombe, Chief and Chairperson of the Kavango Traditional Forum representing all Kavango Traditional Authorities, the kingdoms said they were not opposed to the Kavango People Forum introducing its own attire. However, they objected to describing it as traditional attire, arguing that each kingdom already has its own distinct traditional clothing.
The kingdoms stressed that traditional attire should not be associated with a political party or a particular group.
They maintained that the Forum is free to introduce and wear its own attire but should not present it as a replacement for the traditional clothing of the individual kingdoms.
The kingdoms also clarified that the consultations previously conducted were not intended to approve the attire as traditional clothing for the Kavango people.
They further argued that the use of the term “traditional attire” could be misleading and undermine the existing cultural identities and traditions of the different kingdoms.
The kingdoms therefore called for the attire to be identified specifically as that of the Kavango People Forum, rather than using the term “traditional attire” to represent all Kavango communities.
“We respectfully request the Kavango People Forum to distinguish its association attire from traditional attire and avoid any use of traditional authority endorsement,” the statement read.
“Kavango communities are strengthened through the distinctive traditions of each community,” the statement added.
The kingdoms also encouraged the public to approach the matter calmly, without hostility, discrimination or division.
Shiremo Shampapi, a representative of the Gciriku Traditional Authority, also said the traditional authorities had not endorsed the attire because it had not gone through the process required for approval.
“These traditional authorities are not part of the attire. However, we are not saying that we belittle what they have done to introduce the attire,” he said.
“Everyone has the right to do what they want to do. The only thing we are not supporting is the claim that this is the traditional attire for all five authorities in Kavango.
“We are just respectfully asking the Kavango People Forum to distinguish its organisational attire from traditional attire because that is the work of traditional authorities,” Shampapi said.
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