02 Sep 2019

Former governor of Omaheke Region in Namibia, Elifas Tjingaete has commended Ovambanderu tribe residing in Botswana and Namibia for upholding their tradition and practices despite the difficulties encountered in the past.

He said this during the annual Ovambanderu cultural festival which was combined with the 20-years anniversary celebrations for Mbanderu Youth Association Botswana in Sehithwa on Saturday.

Held under the theme; A Journey Towards Culture Promotion and Community Development and Empowerment, the event  in an opportunity to introspect as a tribe.

Tjingaete applauded commitment of the tribe towards the preservation of their culture despite having fled Namibia years ago.

The former governor noted that the tribes maintained the legacy left by their forefathers and urged them to keep celebrating their rich history.

Ovambanderu people are found in Botswana, South Africa and Namibia. 

Some settled in the then Bechuanaland in the late 18th and early 19th centuries after fleeing the German onslaught in German South West Africa.

Locally, they are mainly found in Ngamiland, Boteti, Pilane, Tsabong and Makopong.

During the festival veterans of Ovambanderu took turns to share the rich history of the tribe and how they ended up in Botswana.

The assistant minister of Basic Education, Thato Kwerepe also applauded the tribe for upholding their culture.

He expressed gratitude to the Namibian delegation which was led by the Ovambanderu paramount chief, Kgosi Kilus Nguvauva saying their presence was a sign of good relations between Namibia and Botswana.

Kwerepe described culture as a tree which needed to be watered adding that if culture was not preserved it would perish.

He appreciated that the Ovambanderu were passionate about promoting and preserving culture.

He revealed that the constitution of Botswana acknowledges that all ethnic groups found in the country are Batswana.

In addition,  Kwerepe said the government also continued to embrace all cultures and traditions of ethnic groups across the country, adding that culture was the only unique identity that differentiated nations.

“Any tribe is free to live and practice its culture. Any tribe is also free to talk about their rights but considering the constitution of the country,” he added.

Kgosi Shikati Seidisa of Bayei said the event was ideal as it reminded Ovambanderu about their roots and existence as people.

He also appreciated the support the Ovambanderu tribe accorded them during their struggle for recognition. He said their support during their activities had given them hope and courage not to give up on their struggle.

Kgosi Seidisa wished their cooperation could grow from one generation to another and to get Bogosi Act to be reviewed adding that the new laws allowed the relevant minister to recognise a tribe and its chief and that it also defines a tribal area as an area inhabited by tribe.

An Ovanbanderu elder Kovihende Kaotozu despite suffering in the past he was proud that besides all they triumphed.

He expressed concern over some elders misleading their children by failing to tell them the truth about their history.

The elderly man said they should be proud of their history and culture, freely speak their language and share their rich culture.

“We should not undermine ourselves but rather practice our norms and tradition and respect our culture.

Let us impart knowledge and information on our children so that they do the same to the next generation,” he added.

 Kaotozu shared a detailed history of Ovambanderu existence noting that traditionally they were nomadic and predominantly pastoral farming people. He also appreciated that their tribe was led by visionary leaders during the hard times who preserved their culture to the latter.

The senior man said Ovambanderu are mostly Christians and wished the Bible could be translated into their language.

He also encouraged the tribe not to be shaken by modern things adding that they should wear their traditional clothing which he said was unique, eat their food and put in use their traditional artifacts and utensils. ENDS