Activities for the Namibia Heritage Week celebrations have concluded in the Zambezi Region, coinciding with Mayeyi Cultural Day in the Judea Lyaboloma Constituency.

Four schools came together to showcase and celebrate the rich Shiyeyi culture, highlighting the importance of passing cultural knowledge and traditions on to future generations.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, Judea Lyaboloma Constituency Councillor Vincent Sinalumbu encouraged learners to be active participants in culture preservation.

"Preserving culture is not an alternative to education; it requires education. Who will write the first comprehensive Shiyeyi Dictionary? An educated Mayeyi. Who will produce films about our history? Who will manage our cultural tourism lodges and heritage sites? Who will represent our people as a lawyer, doctor, or member of parliament? It is you, but only if you stay in school and succeed."  

Sinalumbu further committed himself to support the establishment of permanent cultural clubs in participating schools and advocate for the protection and promotion of heritage sites.

A community elder, Chrispin Sanandwa, demonstrated traditional knowledge, including an ancient method of luring hippos, as well as traditional musical instruments.

"This is a traditional tool that men used in the past, particularly when hunting hippos. It is known as a hippo caller. We would sit by the banks of the river and play this instrument. When the hippo hears the sound, it will follow it, making it easier to shoot."