Gaob Justus ||Garoëb has noted that the ǂNūkhoen people cannot celebrate while mourning the death of veteran politician Simson Tjongarero, the man he described as his right hand.

The annual Gaob Fees, also known as the Damara Festival, scheduled to take place in November at Okombahe in the Erongo Region, have been put on hold.

In a voice note, Gaob ||Garoëb said it would be inappropriate to celebrate the festival.

“We cannot celebrate while we are mourning, so I just want to express my condolences to his wife and the whole tribe for strength from above. That's why we will not have the festival during this time.”

The festival, held approximately 60 kilometres north of Omaruru, brought together various ǂNūkhoen sub-tribes to promote unity, preserve Damara culture and traditions, and pass the community's heritage on to younger generations.

The annual gathering traditionally features cultural processions, street marches, traditional attire, speeches, and performances, with traditional leaders playing a central role in the celebrations.