The Ombara of a faction of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, Hoze Riruako, has called for urgent action to preserve Ovaherero culture, saying traditions must be deliberately passed on to children to ensure they are not lost.

The call came on the final day of the annual Red Flag commemoration at Okahandja, where hundreds gathered at the ancestral cemetery to honour Ovaherero forebears.

The morning's programme included prayers, traditional rituals and the symbolic touching of the graves of revered leaders, an act that signifies remembrance, respect and a spiritual connection with the ancestors.

Dr. Riruako urged the Ovaherero Traditional Authority to document the community's traditions in children's books, saying young people must grow up understanding the meaning of Otjiserandu, the Red Flag.

"There is no community that progresses further without reserving the future for its young people. Unless we invest positively in our youth, we may not reap dividends emanating from our youth. So it's high time that the youth will come to the forefront and take charge and help us push together and forward together as a nation."

Dr Riruako also called for a record of Ovaherero people living across the diaspora to strengthen cultural ties and preserve the knowledge and traditions they carry.

He further encouraged the community to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics while protecting its language, customs, burial rites and songs.

Dr. Riruako also stressed the need to invest in young people by understanding their education and opportunities so they are better prepared to contribute to the country's future economy.