Shikati of the Mayeyi Traditional Authority, Boniface Shufu, has called on his community to strengthen cultural roots for the next generation.

The leader made this call in a statement read on his behalf by the Traditional Authority's spokesperson Walters Kamaya at the 33rd Batshara Cultural Festival at Sangwali in the Zambezi Region.

The ceremony was celebrated under the theme "Our Rivers, Our Waters, Our Pride."
Spokesperson of the Mayeyi Traditional Authority Walters Kamaya explained.

“Today we meet as one people, bound by the same rivers, the same songs, and the same duty to hand our culture and our land together to the next generation. I speak to you not only as a chief or Shikati but also as a fellow Muyeyi, who carries the aspirations of our forefathers and mothers and the future dreams of our children.”

At the ceremony, Vice President Lucia Witbooi highlighted that cultural festivals should serve as platforms for continuing to pass on the torch to future generations.

“Government recognises events of this nature as a tool not only to bring people together but also as a platform for knowledge sharing and transfer, especially for young generations to know and to appreciate their roots and tap into the wisdom of the elders.”

Witbooi added that it is the government's desire to see traditional leaders consult each other on matters of development and mutual concern.

A representative of the Wayeyi Traditional Council from Botswana, Joseph Sibitwani, commended the Namibian government's efforts in recognising traditional authorities.

"In Botswana, we are still working towards the establishment of a fully-fledged Wayeyi Tribal Authority, and we remain hopeful that the recognition of the Batshara in Namibia, and the support provided by the Namibian government, will serve as a guideline to encourage the Botswana government to also uplift the Wayeyi people there."