The Mafwe community gathered in their hundreds at the traditional authority headquarters at Chinchimane to celebrate their heritage, cultural values, and norms.

The 2023 Lusata Annual Cultural Festival celebrations centred around unity in diversity.

Mafwe Chief Litunga George Simasiku Mamili V11 applauded Namibian leaders for maintaining peace, stability, and tranquilly in the country.

He said this has paved the way for economic prosperity.

Mamili, in a message read on his behalf, also commended the government on its development agenda.

"I would like to commend the government for the completion of capital projects in the Zambezi Region, including those that are still running. Not withstanding, I once again implore the government to fully utilise available land in the region for agricultural projects; such projects, once realised, have the potential to create employment opportunities that will absorb some of the large snatch of unemployed youth in this region."

Litunga Mamili appealed to the government to accelerate efforts to expand existing markets to absorb local fresh produce and monitor regional strategies in compliance with existing policies.

While commending the government for always commemorating Heroes Day, Litunga Mamili 7th, also suggested conferring veteran status on family members whose relatives played a role in the liberation struggle for independence.

Livestock theft is another matter that needs redress.

"Although inhabitants have responded by establishing anti-stock theft groups such as the Liselo-Kamenga anti-stock theft group, stock theft incidents continue unabated. While the Namibian Police are compelled to heightened stock theft tide, for it does not rob our nationals of their livelihood but increases the sea of poverty and hopelessness."

Litunga Mamili 7th encouraged the government to continue engaging their Zambian counterpart with a view to seeking effective ways to deal with stock theft.