Deputy Prime Minister John Mutorwa said Namibians are at liberty to celebrate their cultural festivals without undermining other tribes and their cultures.

Mutorwa thanked the Mafwe Traditional Authority for always hosting the Lusata Annual Cultural Festival and educating young people on their imperative.

The festival was also attended by people from Botswana and Zambia. 

The Deputy PM emphasised that cultural norms and traditions, as well as customary laws, need to be preserved because they give value and identity to the people.

"It is also very pleasant that at this cultural festival, not only this one of 2024, but every Lusata cultural festival the representation is not only elderly people; the young ones are here. I saw one young girl there dancing, and that is how our cultures are transmitted from generation to generation, so that the cultures do not get diluted."

Mutorwa noted that the government appreciates the role that traditional authorities continue to play in moulding the community and the youth to become responsible and good citizens.

Zambezi Governor Alufea Sampofu said peace and stability enjoyed were a result of acceptance of diversity.

"We have to guard our peace with all our strength and powers. Peace is like a window or a glass; if you break it, it is very difficult to build that glass the way it was. That's peace. Peace is very delicate; we should guard our peace; if it is broken, we will not be able to put it in place as it was before."

He emphasised that the government is committed to bringing development closer to the people, especially those in rural areas.

He thanked traditional authorities in the region for fighting against tribalism and urged those still harbouring tribalism to desist from it.