The rhythms of tradition and the pride of identity filled Omatangela A Village in the Ohangwena Region as the community began its Cultural and Heritage Week celebrations.

The event brought people together in a vibrant celebration of Namibia’s cultural wealth, with calls for stronger efforts to safeguard traditions for future generations.

Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa, in a speech delivered on her behalf by Ongenga Councillor Joseph Nenghwanya, urged communities, schools and parents to play a greater role in protecting cultural heritage.

"Heritage is not only about the past; it is about the future. It is about knowing who you are, where you come from, and what values you carry forward. Heritage is more than traditional songs, more than dances, and more than food or clothing, heritage is about our identity, our memory, our dignity, and our history. If we forget our heritage, we lose part of ourselves."

Echoing a similar sentiment was Ohangwena Education Director Isak Hamatwi, who reminded participants that culture is about the way people lived in the past, values and practices that deserve respect and preservation.

"Traditional life skills have got a place in our schools and have got a place in our society to inculcate the values and the cultural practices in our children."

Ohamba of Oukwanyama Traditional Authority, in a statement read on her behalf by Senior Traditional Leader of Ohaingu District, Julius Ndilula, also called on subjects to preserve culture.

"The most educated people are the ones disrespecting our cultures and traditions, even their houses are not paying dividends yearly. Some are even here behind me. We call upon you with due respect to respect traditional authorities and to respect traditions and heritages, we must participate in traditional events in our villages and localities."

He commended Ohangwena leadership for selecting Omatangela village as the host of this year's event, saying it was a befitting choice for one of the region's most remote villages.