Witbooi urges traditional authorities to prevent succession disputes

Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged traditional leaders to guard against all forms of divisive tendencies that can fuel disunity.

Witbooi was speaking at the official opening of the sixth Nama Cultural Festival at Keetmanshoop on Friday.

She noted that unity is the heartbeat of a collective people who understand their shared struggles, common history and cultural diversity.

She further urged traditional leaders to avoid succession-related disputes that could hamper growth, stifle progress and hinder development in communities and the country at large.

“It is time that communities resolve their differences amicably and work harmoniously under the umbrella of cultural unity to strive for social progress, growth and development,” she said.

Witbooi emphasised that the festival should be a platform for the Nama people to celebrate their shared history, traditions and practices, showcase their unique heritage, and promote values that unite the community.

“I am confident that the Nama Cultural Festival and all other cultural festivals we celebrate in Namibia, will, through the sharing of our stories, customs, music, dress, dance and food, offer lessons that will pave the way for us to be a more harmonious and peaceful society.”

The vice president encouraged young people and other community members to creatively express themselves, and highlighted that the creative art industry is one of the gateways to sustainable livelihoods in Namibia.

“As African indigenous people, we are gifted with various talents, hence let us grab the opportunity offered by the government to express our unique talents, particularly in dance, music and art,” said Witbooi.

The festival, which started on Wednesday and ends on Sunday, is being held under the theme, ‘Namakhoeda ge – /Gui!nâxasib- tsî ai!gûs /omkhâis !oa’, which translates to ‘Nama people striving towards progress, growth and sustainability.’

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