The annual Nama Traditional Festival has accomplished with notable success the strengthening of the spirit, identity, and dignity of the Nama people, since its inception five years ago. 

Chairperson Goab Johannes Isaak shared these sentiments while delivering the keynote address at this year's Nama Traditional Festival held at Keetmanshoop. 

The main objective of the festival is to strengthen cohesion among the Nama folk, and for them to celebrate their cherished inheritance.

It also serves as a platform for the exhibitors to showcase their cuisine, medicine, and traditional attire. 

"Everyone values the significance of unity in our society and larger Namibian nation, it is however important to emphasize the need for patience, courage and determination to understand and overcome unavoidable challenges in life, my late brother, Goab Stephanus Goliath and I met and overcome those challenges of unity."

Also speaking at the occasion were the UNESCO representative Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum, and the Mayor of Keetmanshoop McDonald Hanse. 

"The preservation of our culture, our heritage goes a long way with the promotion of cultural tourism as means of sharing our culture and also derives economic benefits whilst strengthening the invaluable role of intangible cultural heritage as a factor in bringing humans close together and ensuring exchange and understanding among them."

"We definitely have an obligation to support and cooperate with traditional authorities, it is, therefore, my hope that this event will continue to advance the history of the Nama people and cement the relationship between our people in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa."

The festival kicked off with a gospel show on Thursday and will end with an ecumenical church service on Sunday.