11 Apr 2023

The Ovambanderu tribe has been advised to establish a cultural centre as way of preserving their unique and rich culture.

The call was made by Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi during the recent annual Otjingirine cultural event held at Dhaoga settlement some few kilometres away from Maun. Kgosi Setlhodi said the centre could also promote cultural tourism in the region.

He said culture played a significant role in the wealth and prosperity of the people, citing that tribes in some countries were steps ahead in establishing cultural centres where they displayed art, showcased cultural activities, in an effort to safeguard their unique culture as well as utilising it to increase their wealth/fortunes.

He said some had constructed accommodation facilities, libraries, theatres to open opportunities for leisure, entertainment, learning and sharing experiences with others.

Appreciating that the event gave Ovambanderu an opportunity to reflect on the past, Kgosi Setlhodi urged them to also consider such facilities more so that Maun was a tourism destination.

“You have a unique and rich culture which can take you to the world and I urge you to utilise it to boost your economic development. You have interesting traditional and art activities such as music, games, rituals, history, crafts, traditional attire, food which can provide economic benefits,” he added.

Kgosi Setlhodi noted that culture was more than history and art and it provided important social and economic benefits. 

He also noted that the event was in line with National Policy on Culture, which promoted culture preservation and celebrations. Kgosi Setlhodi added that the policy was no panacea to all problems relating to culture and its relationships to social, economic and political system.

He emphasised the need for elders to pass their culture to the new generations to protect and preserve it. 

The Otjingirine event is held at the graveyard of the tribes’ forefathers and chiefs to celebrate the brave efforts of their heroes and heroines, who perished during the war with colonisers.

The Ovambanderu paramount chief from Namibia, Kgosi Epena Nguvauva said Ovambanderu community from both Namibia and Botswana prided themselves with their unique and rich culture, which they had managed to maintain throughout the years.

He supported the construction of the cultural centre, saying it would be an ideal place where people could acknowledge all what the Ovambanderu community was made of as they would appreciate their cultural activities.

He also urged his tribe, including young people, to prioritise the historic event saying it gave them an opportunity to reflect on the past and celebrate what their forefathers fought for.

Kgosi Nguvauva also urged the tribe not to pollute their culture with politics as that would derail efforts to preserve it. The chief who was installed last year, as the paramount chief for Ovambanderu in Namibia and Botswana, assured his tribe that he would be the custodian of culture as it brought peace, which led to tolerance and tranquility.

Kgosi Nguvauva said culture also enhanced quality of life, adding that it could generate income and develop the community. Member of Parliament for Maun East, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile commended Ovambanderu tribe, saying they were one of the tribes that sustained their culture.

The tribe, he said had ensured that their culture was kept intact following the perishing of their heroes and heroines during the war with colonisers. 

Mr Kekgonegile also stated that Botswana believed  that mother tongue played a significant role as national unifier, hence wanted it to be used in public schools. 

ENDS