The commemoration of National Heritage and Cultural Diversity Day was held at the Oshana Police Regional Headquarters, bringing together community leaders, traditional authorities, law-enforcement representatives and members of the public to reflect on the importance of preserving Namibia’s cultural heritage.
Speaking at the event, Elenga Enene of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, Herman Iipumbu, reminded Namibians, particularly the youth, of the importance of maintaining and respecting their cultural values, identities, traditions and norms.
Iipumbu highlighted various cultural practices and taboos within Oshiwambo society, stressing that individuals who disrespect or abandon their culture risk losing an important part of their identity.
He compared a person who turns away from their culture to someone travelling in the wrong direction, emphasising that culture provides people with a sense of belonging and identity.
He further reminded the youth that “a nation without culture is like a tree without roots”, a principle often associated with Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Nujoma.
Iipumbu also singled out some taboos that undermine cultural values and norms in society.
Among the issues he mentioned were cohabitation, gender-based violence, the mushrooming of Pentecostal churches and inadequate parental guidance.
He expressed concern that members of the public increasingly fail to intervene or advise children when they see them engaging in inappropriate behaviour in public spaces. He argued that raising children should remain a shared responsibility within communities.
Oshana Police Commander Commissioner Andreas Shilelo said the police had joined hands with community stakeholders to educate the public about the situation involving Angolan children who, he said, were increasingly seen selling goods on the streets.
He appealed to Angolan parents and guardians to ensure that their children attend school rather than being sent onto the streets to sell goods.
He also called on members of the public to refrain from buying goods from the children or giving them money, saying such actions could unintentionally encourage them to remain out of school and on the streets.
In his keynote address, delivered on his behalf, Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge stressed that the preservation of Namibia’s heritage should not be left to traditional authorities, government institutions or cultural organisations alone.
He said preserving the country’s heritage is a collective responsibility and that every Namibian should play their respective role.