The Hai||om San Traditional Authority hosted the Hai||om Cultural Festival at Seringkop Farm in the Outjo Constituency, Kunene Region.

Hai||om Chief Dawid ||Khamuxab also graced the event despite ill health.

Cultural groups representing the Hai||om tradition performed their cultural dances at the festival.

Headman Pastor Albert |Aib called on the community to credit Founding President Sam Nujoma, who approved the recognition of the Hai||om Chief in 2004.

Outjo Constituency Councillor Johannes Antsino emphasised the importance of cultural identity and called on all to embrace their culture and have events to celebrate culture and, in return, keep the practices alive.

He said indigenous knowledge should be passed on to the younger generations.

The government, he said, has made schools available to improve the lives of the young ones; therefore, the Hai||om children should also attend school.

Gender-based violence can also be tackled through cultural practices, as traditionally, men are protectors of women.