The Ovambanderu Traditional Authority intends to propose that historical sites that hold significant historical value to the community be nominated and registered for recognition by the National Heritage Council of Namibia (NHCN). 

This follows extensive discussions with officials from the council. The sites proposed include Okeseta, Otjiunda and Omukuruvaro.

Speaking from the headquarters of the Ovambanderu People at Omimbonde Vitano, Ombara Eben Tjozohongo II Nguvauva said that the preservation of tradition and cultural norms are key aspects that most communities prioritise when considering their future. 

Site nominations, the registration process and other procedures, he said, were all clearly explained during their engagement with the National Heritage Council of Namibia. 

"As we know nowadays there are disputes with communities; hence, there has been a question if I register a certain area as omumbanderu, then later if there is a dispute within ourselves and one might also want to register the same area, what will happen? And they have informed us very well that once this area is registered under your authority, the other person will not nominate this area again, meaning you will be the custodian, and the community is very happy. What is left now is for me as leader to take it up with the supreme council and share with our people for further deliberation." 

Ombara II Nguvauva notes that the task now falls to the community to submit applications on behalf of the areas of their choice and furthermore says that it's now left to them to provide the needed required documentation to submit areas of their choice that will be registered under the National Heritage Council of Namibia.

An anthropologist with the NHCN, Dr Aina Paulina Muulila, highlighted the significance and the benefits that are associated with registration of historical sites.

"When the place is declared as a heritage site, there are a lot of benefits. Number one, for example, if that site is declared because of its cultural or historical background or some values, that place will now be a source of educational information. It will contribute to history and educational information. Also, it will be a source where the heritage and culture will be passed on from one generation also." 

The Omaheke region currently has only 3 registered historical sites, namely, Ozombuzovindimba, the Chief Hosea Kutako Memorial Museum and the Old German Hospital in Gobabis.