15 Aug 2019

Preparations are underway for the annual Ovambanderu cultural festival slated for August 30- 31 at Sehithwa.

  Ovambanderu are Batswana of Namibian origin who settled in Botswana in the  late 18^th and  early 19^th century fleeing from German oppression.

  This year’s event will be held under the theme: A journey towards culture promotion for community development and empowerment.

The event is organised by the Mbanderu Youth Association of Botswana (MYAB) and the event will be combined with the celebration of 20 years of the existence of the association.

The association was formed as a result of the increasing threat of their cultural extinction not only through traditional causes but also through continuous changes in the socio-economic landscape. The main objective of the association is to protect and promote Mbanderu cultural heritage and also to promote human rights, education, health and supporting good governance and the rule of law in society.

The association chairperson, Ikumba Ngaruka revealed in an interview that preparations were on track, saying the event was expected to attract multitudes of Ovambanderu from Ngamiland, Rakops, Toromoja, Pilane, Dikgatlhong, Tsabong and Namibia. Batlokwa paramount chief, Kgosi Puso is expected to officiate at the event which would also be graced by the paramount chief of Ovambanderu in Namibia, the district leadership and other dignitaries.

Ngaruka pointed out that the event would give the tribe an opportunity to showcase the unique and diverse culture of the Ovambanderu people. He said it was  also meant to revive their culture as well as to bridge the gap between the youth and the old generation within the Ovambanderu community in preserving their cultural heritage.

The event is also expected to promote cultural tourism through displaying of traditional food, clothing and other traditional artefacts and artistic works.

Ngaruka noted that the day would be filled with traditional performances such as Omuhiva, praise poems, Ombimbi, Onderera, and the parade of traditional attire. It would also be spiced with traditional games, performances of various genres of music and dance, both contemporary and traditional.

He decried lack of sponsorship to carry out logistics such as advertising and promoting the event. He pleaded for help of any kind from individuals, the community, business community as well as well-wishers to ensure the event became a success. ENDS