President Nangolo Mbumba says the annual Omagongo Festival, which is hosted on a rotational basis by the eight Aawambo traditional authorities, remains an enabler for communities to gather and share history, traditions, and practices. 

Dr. Mbumba was speaking at the 14th edition of the Annual Omagongo Festival, hosted by the Ondonga Traditional Authority at Onambango Palace. 

Thousands of people from all walks of life across the country, including senior government officials and traditional leaders, turned up for the colourful celebration.

The event also showcased the process of making Omagongo, extracted from the Marula fruit, a process that has been passed on from generations over decades. 

Addressing the gathering, President Nangolo Mbumba thanked the Founding President, Sam Nujoma, for being a champion and defender of culture and values.

He said traditional authorities must ensure that culture is preserved.

"The Omagongo Festival is one of the annually anticipated events that allows us, as Namibians and Africans at large, to showcase and celebrate our unique heritage. Cultural festivals offer us a chance to gather around the celebration of our shared history, traditions, and practices. As Namibians, we should ensure that the celebration of our respective cultures and traditions leads to the fostering of greater understanding and unity amongst our people."

Omukwaniilwa of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, Fillemon Nangolo, reiterated the significance of the annual event, which also seeks to promote the tradition of the tribes and unity among all Namibians. 

Omukwaniilwa Nangolo thanked Namibians for turning up in large numbers, which speaks not only to the support of the event but also to unity. 

"Joyous occasions are good events to meet up, as this is where folklore, tales, and cultural norms are spoken and people are feasting, and this event is a significant cultural undertaking that will be preserved for decades, which is also a platform for various cultural intergrations that will be documented and preserved for future generations to come."

During the celebrations of Omagongo, the brew is served as the main drink in traditional cuisine. Traditional performances also come in handy. 

On the occasion, it was announced that next year's festival will be hosted on different dates by the Oukwanyama and Ombadja Traditional Authorities.