President Nandi-Ndaitwah Urges Namibians to Protect Culture at Masubia Festival
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians to protect their traditional culture while working together to build a strong and united country.
Speaking at the Masubia Cultural Festival in Bukalo in the Zambezi Region, the President congratulated Munitenga Gilbert Muhongo Mutwe, Moraliswani III, on becoming the new Chief of the Masubia Traditional Authority.
She thanked the chief for the invitation to attend the event, which returned this year after a six-year break.The festival was held under the theme “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage, Celebrating Our Future”.
During her speech, President Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to the late Chief Kisco Liswani III, thanking him for his years of service in promoting peace and unity. She also welcomed traditional leaders who traveled from nearby Botswana and Zambia, noting that their presence shows strong friendship and cooperation across borders.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that culture is the backbone of a nation. She said that cultural events help keep local languages, music, dance, and traditional knowledge alive for young generations.
With modern technology growing quickly, the President urged young people not to lose their roots. She encouraged youth to learn traditional skills from their elders, including farming, fishing, and peaceful ways to settle disagreements.
The President also highlighted the government’s efforts to help young people find jobs through the creative arts, tourism, and small business support.
Turning to local leadership, President Nandi-Ndaitwah asked Traditional Authorities to work alongside schools and universities to write down local history, customs, and native languages so they are not forgotten.
She also cautioned traditional communities against taking land and leadership disputes to civil courts. Instead, she encouraged leaders to resolve these matters peacefully through customary law to keep traditional authority strong.
The President ended her address by thanking the organizing committee and calling on all Namibians to stay united under the message of “One Namibia, One Nation”.
