Thousands attend Omagongo Festival
Close to 7 000 people attended this year’s Omagongo Festival, hosted by the Ondonga Traditional Authority at Onambango village on Saturday.
Omagongo is a wine made from the marula fruit and each year one of the northern traditional authorities hosts it.
Saturday’s event was attended by President Nangolo Mbumba, Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, cabinet ministers, traditional leaders and other national leaders in their different capacities.
Mbumba, the main speaker at the event, spoke on the importance of hosting cultural events and their power to promote peace and stability.
“By celebrating cultural festivals, all Namibians can gradually, through greater understanding, eliminate potential barriers, conflicts and stereotypes that may exist in our society due to ignorance and embrace each other’s cultural diversity, traditions and values as important unifying nation-building blocks,” Mbumba said.
He said it is important to continue to promote and celebrate Namibian cultures through such festivals as a means of fostering a spirit of unity in Namibia.
“It is only by sharing the unique aspects of our cultural identities that we can create an inclusive, open-minded and compassionate society," he said. He added: “It is only by sharing the unique aspects of our cultural identities that we can create an inclusive, open-minded, and compassionate society."
The president added: "I am confident that the Omagongo Festival and all other cultural festivals we celebrate in Namibia can, through the sharing of our stories, customs, music, dance, food and beverages, pave the way to a more harmonious and peaceful society.”
Traditional leaders praised
Mbumba also used the opportunity to express his gratitude towards traditional leaders and emphasised the need to respect their roles.
"You, our respected elders, are the custodians of our culture,” Mbumba said.
“We all look to you to guide us and ensure that our heritage is maintained, promoted and safeguarded. I therefore commend you for your efforts to promote culture and encourage you to continue the advancement of Namibia’s rich cultural heritage."
[email protected]
Omagongo is a wine made from the marula fruit and each year one of the northern traditional authorities hosts it.
Saturday’s event was attended by President Nangolo Mbumba, Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, cabinet ministers, traditional leaders and other national leaders in their different capacities.
Mbumba, the main speaker at the event, spoke on the importance of hosting cultural events and their power to promote peace and stability.
“By celebrating cultural festivals, all Namibians can gradually, through greater understanding, eliminate potential barriers, conflicts and stereotypes that may exist in our society due to ignorance and embrace each other’s cultural diversity, traditions and values as important unifying nation-building blocks,” Mbumba said.
He said it is important to continue to promote and celebrate Namibian cultures through such festivals as a means of fostering a spirit of unity in Namibia.
“It is only by sharing the unique aspects of our cultural identities that we can create an inclusive, open-minded and compassionate society," he said. He added: “It is only by sharing the unique aspects of our cultural identities that we can create an inclusive, open-minded, and compassionate society."
The president added: "I am confident that the Omagongo Festival and all other cultural festivals we celebrate in Namibia can, through the sharing of our stories, customs, music, dance, food and beverages, pave the way to a more harmonious and peaceful society.”
Traditional leaders praised
Mbumba also used the opportunity to express his gratitude towards traditional leaders and emphasised the need to respect their roles.
"You, our respected elders, are the custodians of our culture,” Mbumba said.
“We all look to you to guide us and ensure that our heritage is maintained, promoted and safeguarded. I therefore commend you for your efforts to promote culture and encourage you to continue the advancement of Namibia’s rich cultural heritage."
[email protected]
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