Namibians are urged to be torchbearers of the country's heritage in their everyday lives. 

The sentiments were shared by the Acting Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sarah Negumbo, at the celebration of the Namibian Heritage Week in Windhoek.

The celebration was held under the theme "Torchbearers of our Heritage", translated in Subiya.

Carrying the heritage torch symbolises the active responsibility of preserving, practising and sharing diverse cultural elements within communities.

"The aim of celebrating the Namibian Heritage Week is to keep our culture alive by continuously passing on as torchbearers of our heritage, by continuously passing our inherited traditions and knowledge to our descendants, just as our forefathers and foremothers did. Today, we carry that same responsibility by ensuring that the young generation learns and values these legacies. In essence, being a torchbearer of our heritage means actively engaging and participating in the transmission," said Negumbo.

The week offers an opportunity to celebrate, rediscover, and appreciate communities, cultures, history, and diverse heritage. 

A moment to reconnect with the roots, honour and commit to leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. 

Papa Shikongeni is a naturalist and creative artist. He said, "Our heritage is a treasure that must be protected by all Namibians, everyone young and old, as a rule to play. Because our ancestors are always with us. Whether we like it or not, they watch over us. But sometimes they look at us and say, 'What's going on with our children?' What's happening with them? But around the corner, you want to praise them. But you can't praise them."

The week is filled with heritage activities, which include exhibitions, traditional and cultural activities, heritage talks and dialogue.