All is set for the Hardap Region to celebrate the country's 36th Independence Day anniversary on Saturday. Mariental will host the regional celebrations this year.

The Uukwambi Traditional Authority has already started with preparations for the hosting of the Omagongo festival.

The festival rotates among the eight traditional authorities of Aawambo ethnic groups. 

Well-wishers lined up along the streets of Mariental to get a glimpse of the recently crowned Miss Namibia, Johanna Swartbooi. 

Swartbooi was on a tour of the southern towns of Mariental, Keetmanshoop, and her home village of Vaalgras. 

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said there is a new wind of hope in the Zambezi Region as all traditional leaders gathered at Sangwali to celebrate the Batsara cultural festival.

Omaheke residents welcomed with celebration Uatjiri Mbaisa and Melanie van der Merwe, who were recently crowned Miss Namibia 1st runner-up and Miss Teen 2nd runner-up, respectively. 

Residents held a street march from the famous cattle country bull statue through the town of Gobabis. 

Senior citizens received a meal, hygiene sessions, and gifts as part of the Otjinene Village Council's 10th anniversary celebrations.