23 Apr 2019

Ovambanderu have been hailed for introspecting and finding ways to trace their roots as far as tradition and culture is concerned.

Officiating at their annual event dubbed: Otjingrine, Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Konstantinos Markus said Ovambanderu were passionate about promoting and preserving culture. “Nowadays some tribes are faced with challenges of losing their culture due to foreign cultures that they continue to copy.

I appreciate the commitment demonstrated of hosting the event annually in an effort to trace your roots, promote and preserve the culture for generations to come,” he said.

He observed that the commemoration gave them an opportunity to revive and exchange culture amongst themselves, more especially the youth as well as other tribes to appreciate the richness and the beauty of their cultural activities.

Markus noted that government continued to embrace all cultures and traditions of ethnic groups across the country, saying culture was the only unique identity that differentiated people from other nations across the globe while continuing to unite people as a nation.

Government, he said, had realised that culture had benefits to improve the way of doing things and also had economic benefits. He said it was the reason the annual President’s Day competitions were introduced at which different tribes showcased their culture through dance, song, arts and other activities that distinguished one culture from the other.

Ovambaderu were also urged to introspect on what they were doing to empower themselves and the general public.

“We should collectively find solutions to our common problems, and I am pleased to learn that Ovambanderu youth have come up with an initiative of building a cultural village in Sehithwa. It is commendable and in line with our national vision of self-reliance, development and unity,” he said.

Markus also said it was pleasing to see the youth at the forefront of efforts to preserve culture. He appealed to the elders to ensure their rich culture was documented for the benefit of the future generation.

Kgosi Manuel Nguvauva of Ovambaderu in Ngamiland said the event was a sign that they did exist as a tribe in Botswana, adding that they have a unique and rich history which dates back to the 1900 years.

Ovambanderu escaped the war in Namibia and settled in Botswana and the majority resided in the north west of Botswana.

He said the event brought them together to celebrate the brave efforts of their heroes and heroines who perished in the war to save the tribe, adding that the event was held annually to reflect on the past.

Kgosi Nguvauva also clarified that there was no conflict between Ovambaderu and Baherero as they worked together because they shared common things, but stated that each tribe had its own leaders, practices, special attire, unique history and culture.

Ngami MP, Thato Kwerepe thanked the tribe for upholding their culture.  He also urged them to bring on board other traditional activities such as horse parading, Mhiba dance and to display their traditional artifacts to spice the event.

Kwerepe, who is also Assistant Minister of Basic Education, said in the past the tribe used a special home-made cooking oil called ‘Ngondip’e, but that it seemed they had lost interest in making the oil. ENDS