The Mbunza Traditional Authority wants the NBC's Radio Wato to work with traditional authorities to strengthen its programmes and prevent language attrition or linguistic obsolescence and help in information dissemination.

The call was made by Hompa Alfons Kaundu during a visit by the NBC executives.

Hompa Kaundu believes mass media is a highly reliable tool that can help traditional leaders educate their communities and preserve fading cultural customs.

Kaundu noted that radio and television networks could serve as virtual classrooms to pass down essential traditional practices to younger generations.

"This is what we were looking for; it's our mission. Now we have a reason to say when we go back, the regional manager here and her team, and how we are going to ensure now that the five traditional authorities here in the two regions, in Kavango East or Kavango West, are part of our programmes. I was actually thinking when you were speaking to say, "Then we need a programme where each traditional authority has its turn, and we will come and talk and say this month, what is the topic? This month, what can we look at? Is it marriage, or are we looking at community courts and so many other topics?"

Kaundu also indicated that a major contributing factor to the rise in modern youth crime and behavioural issues is the erosion of historical boundaries and customs.

The NBC's Director General, Menesia Muinjo, said the corporation will work with traditional leaders to ensure that culture is documented and preserved.

"I can only pledge here that when we go back, we really want to have raised the bar and be inclusive and ensure that we educate our audience, the Namibians, at the end of the day. We educate our communities, and we actually complement the work of the King and the leadership and other traditional authorities."

Minjo emphasised the corporation's mandate to introduce specialised programmes dedicated to educating communities about their distinct cultural heritage.

"I think we are even going to attract more listeners now that they want to hear. They know that on Wednesday the King from the Mbunza Traditional Authority is going to speak, so they will go and make time and listen to what is there."