Ovakwanyama asked to donate N$1 each for museum

Ovakwanyama people under the jurisdiction of the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority have been requested to voluntarily contribute N$1 each for the completion of the King Mandume Museum at Omhedi in the Ohangwena Region.The King Mandume Museum Trust requires N$18 million if they are to ensure its completion, the chairperson of the trust, Vilho Nghipondoka, said.The museum will also house the power stone of the kingdom.Nghipondoka said the call is not only directed to the people of Oukwanyama but to every Namibian to help preserve the culture and heritage of Ovakwanyama by collecting artefacts, which will be stored and displayed in the museum."A few years back we conducted a feasibility evaluation. The cost of construction stood at N$12 million. We have since revised it, and now the amount stands at N$18 million to establish the museum and its entire auxiliary," he said.The importance of cultureNghipondoka said, as said by Ohangwena governor Walde Ndevashiya, without an identity, one will always remain lost; hence, it is important for people to celebrate and commit themselves to protecting their culture for current and future generations."The museum will help preserve the Ovakwanyama people’s culture, heritage and everything that has to do with the people of Oukwanyama," he said.Nghipondoka said the culture and heritage of many Namibians has almost disappeared, and the Ovakwanyama people have not been spared. But he underlined that all is not lost."In the advent of independence, they are seeing that people are increasingly getting interested and curious about culture again. We have to make sure we educate them and leave history behind for generations to come."Nghipondoka said there is no better way to do that than by storing cultural heritage items in one place.He said while the world continues to change and evolve, un-harmful cultural practices should remain intact and continue to be passed on for use.Taking pride in heritageThe Mandume Trust was founded by Oukwanyama Queen Martha Mwadinomho Kristian Nelumbu. She appointed trustees to run it.Nghipondoka said the traditional authority has pledged to contribute N$200 000 annually to the construction, maintenance and upkeep of the museum."The rest of the funds will have to be scouted through donations, hosting of fundraising events and members of the community. We are very glad that the community is responding well to the call of assisting the authority," Nghipondoka said.Ohangwena Region this week celebrated Heritage Day under the theme: "Unity in Diversity."The celebration started on 19 September and will conclude on the 25 September.

Ovakwanyama asked to donate N$1 each for museum

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Ovakwanyama asked to donate N$1 each for museum

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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