As Namibia marked International Mother Language Day, Khoekhoegowab was spotlighted for preservation.
Census data shows Khoekhoegowab is spoken in only 8.7% of |Khomas households, compared to Oshikwanyama at 21%, Afrikaans at 14.9%, and Oshindonga at 10.9%.

Despite its smaller numbers, Khoekhoegowab's cultural and historical significance was celebrated through traditional chants, dances, and recognition of innovative teachers, highlighting that protecting endangered languages is about heritage, identity, and continuity.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi, in a message read on her behalf by Dr. Sanet Steenkamp, says language was described as identity, heritage and the foundation of culture with over 20 Namibian spoken languages. 

"How beautiful is that? How beautiful is that? How beautiful is that? (Audience Applauding) And we live in harmony with one another. I must say. We live in harmony with one another. That, in excellency, says, is a strength and a national asset that must be protected and that must be nurtured. And we must understand today in this room that there is no one language that is more important than the other."

A brief background on the planning and execution of the two-day event was shared by the organiser, Axaro Thaniseb.

"started in 2014 and after today. So I'm going to give you a little bit of background for that as well. And International Modern Language Day. So this program is a two-day event. That is why we have prioritised, like I said, whoever could for this time. Most probably next year we may then identify a different language."

Chairperson of the Nama Traditional Authority Association, Gaob Dawid Hanse, reflected on the untold histories embedded in indigenous languages, urging communities to safeguard oral traditions before they are lost.

"When we speak of the Khoekhoegowab, you speak of the language of the Khoe people, and when you speak of the people, you speak of a community who have adapted a language and named it the people's language."

Khoekhoegowab teachers were also recognised for their contribution to mother tongue education and beyond the classroom. 

Meanwhile, UNESCO Country Representative Eunice Smith emphasised that preserving language requires a united front.

"People are not just passive recipients of education. Yes, they are the beneficiaries, but they are also innovators, advocates, and custodians of languages, both in the physical space and digitally. They create new words, they create new meanings, and they give life to mother tongue languages. Their engagement ensures that languages remain vibrant, evolving, and relevant."

To protect endangered and less-spoken languages, the education ministry has set up a national task force to conduct surveys and monitor language use across the country. 
Their goal is to ensure every mother tongue is preserved for future generations.