Geingob calls for cultural unity
Namibians should resolve disagreements without resorting to the disrespectful practice of slandering elders, President Hage Geingob says.
President Hage Geingob has encouraged Namibians to deal with all disputes concerning traditional authorities in an atmosphere of respect.
In a statement read on his behalf during the Annual Omagongo Cultural Festival 2017, at Onamega on Saturday, Geingob called on Namibians to be true to their cultures and traditions. The head of state, whose speech was read by urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa, said Namibians should follow the established and age-old practices of resolving disagreements without resorting to the disrespectful practice of slandering elders.
He pointed out that Namibian culture and heritage is a grouping of experiences and memories passed down the generations.
“Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, these individual experiences when combined, reveal a colourful and beautiful picture, a picture of Namibia the land of the brave,” said Geingob, who wants Namibians to take ownership of the country's cultures and heritage across the regions.
The president called on the elders to pass down the cultural values to the younger generations so that they too can uphold the best of a Namibian cultural identity.
Geingob noted that Namibians are able to practice community harmony, peace and love at a time the world is slowly plunging into the waters of intolerance and hatred, characterised by war and international terrorism.
“Let us use these events to show the world that Namibia is a haven not only for cultural harmony and peace, but also for the promotion of human dignity and respect.”
Omagongo Cultural Festival in the Omusati Region is hosted to demonstrate the joy of seasonal agricultural harvesting, especially by the Aawambo communities of northern Namibia.
Speaking at the same event, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) representative to Namibia, Dr Jean Pierre IIboudo said the festival is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage after it was in 2015 inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Uukwambi Traditional Authority hosted the festival for the second time after its first host in 2003, while Ongandjera Traditional Authority hosted the first Omagongo Cultural Festival in 2001.
Uukwaluudhi Traditional Authority is anticipated to host it in 2018.
NAMPA
In a statement read on his behalf during the Annual Omagongo Cultural Festival 2017, at Onamega on Saturday, Geingob called on Namibians to be true to their cultures and traditions. The head of state, whose speech was read by urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa, said Namibians should follow the established and age-old practices of resolving disagreements without resorting to the disrespectful practice of slandering elders.
He pointed out that Namibian culture and heritage is a grouping of experiences and memories passed down the generations.
“Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, these individual experiences when combined, reveal a colourful and beautiful picture, a picture of Namibia the land of the brave,” said Geingob, who wants Namibians to take ownership of the country's cultures and heritage across the regions.
The president called on the elders to pass down the cultural values to the younger generations so that they too can uphold the best of a Namibian cultural identity.
Geingob noted that Namibians are able to practice community harmony, peace and love at a time the world is slowly plunging into the waters of intolerance and hatred, characterised by war and international terrorism.
“Let us use these events to show the world that Namibia is a haven not only for cultural harmony and peace, but also for the promotion of human dignity and respect.”
Omagongo Cultural Festival in the Omusati Region is hosted to demonstrate the joy of seasonal agricultural harvesting, especially by the Aawambo communities of northern Namibia.
Speaking at the same event, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) representative to Namibia, Dr Jean Pierre IIboudo said the festival is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage after it was in 2015 inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Uukwambi Traditional Authority hosted the festival for the second time after its first host in 2003, while Ongandjera Traditional Authority hosted the first Omagongo Cultural Festival in 2001.
Uukwaluudhi Traditional Authority is anticipated to host it in 2018.
NAMPA
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