28 Apr 2024

Scores of people thronged Gumare sports grounds on April 27 to witness the spectacular Wayeyi culture on display during the annual Wayeyi Cultural festival. 

Seperu dance synonymous with the Wayeyi people was the highlight of the day with performances that wowed the audience.

Performing groups included Tiwazani from Gumare, Nyiinamwere and children’s Seperu group both from Jao.

Seperu dance is on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Tumiso Rakgare said the festival had the potential to become a cultural tourism event.

He, therefore, urged organisers to embrace available government programmes to grow the event through inclusion of different cultural aspects. 

He thanked organisers who ensured that the event was held annually since 2005 and sponsors who made it possible. 

The minister appreciated Wayeyi from Namibia who graced the event with their Chief Boniface Shifu.

He said this was a sign of brotherhood between the two countries. 

For his part, Wayeyi Paramount Chief, Kgosi Jacob Seidisa said Kamanakao Association which was a Non-Govermental Organisation that advocated for equal rights was formed in 1995. 

He said Wayeyi were people who had some rich diverse cultural aspects such as language and food.  

He said the association aimed to develop and document language of the Wayeyi, as well as to harness and develop traditional skills and knowledge.  “We have 25 years’ of existence as an organization but there is still a lot that can be done, such as improving our cultural artefacts like traditional drums, beads and food,” he said. 

Ngami Member of Parliament Caterpilar Hikuama said it was imperative for the Wayeyi and other tribes left behind to be equally recognised in the country.  

He said although all tribes received equal rights in the country, it was significant for their chiefs to be recognised.

Mr Hikuama said their wish was for different languages to be used in mediums such as radio stations, televisions and schools in recognition of different ethnic groups that exist in the country. 

The event also included a cultural night with performances from traditional groups such as Shigyakao, Nyinamwere, Tipatizane, Nipatizane which showcased Seperu and Kharakhara dance. Different artists as also showcased contemporary music. ENDS