The San Cultural Festival has concluded in Tsumkwe after three days of celebrations.
The festival brought together San communities, traditional leaders, government representatives and visitors to celebrate and promote San cultural heritage, languages, indigenous knowledge systems and identity.
Organisers said the festival should not be viewed as a one-off event, but rather as a platform for cultural preservation and knowledge-sharing.
The celebrations featured traditional dances, traditional medicine demonstrations and storytelling.
Otjozondjupa Governor John ||Khamuseb said the festival should provide an opportunity for different San communities to meet and for young people to learn about their heritage.
“Let it be a platform where different San communities meet and where our children can learn about their heritage. A nation without culture and traditions is like a big tree without roots. You must know where you come from to understand where you are today and where you are going,” ||Khamuseb said.
A representative of San youth, Festus Soroab, said cultural preservation should also include the recognition and use of the Juǀ’hoansi language in education.
“In these 36 years of independence, our language, Juǀ’hoansi, is still not recognised or used in all schools in Tsumkwe or at all levels of education in Namibia. Vision 2030 is fast approaching, but how can we reach Vision 2030 when no foundation has been laid for us?” Soroab said.
He argued that strengthening mother-tongue education could help address challenges such as poor academic performance, high dropout rates, teenage pregnancies and early marriages.
Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President Moses ǀKhumub delivered a speech on behalf of the Vice President.
“Our heritage is not simply something from the past. It is the living inheritance that connects generations and provides a foundation for the future. Therefore, the participation of San communities from across Namibia, as well as from neighbouring countries, demonstrates the importance of cultural exchange, solidarity and regional coordination,” ǀKhumub said.
He added that gatherings such as the festival strengthen relationships, create opportunities to share knowledge and celebrate the richness of San heritage.
ǀKhumub said San languages carry the history and identity of their people.