President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Saturday called on Namibians to preserve the country’s cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems, saying they remain essential to national unity and long-term development.
Speaking at the 2026 Omagongo Cultural Festival at the Uukwambi Royal Palace Grounds in the Omusati Region, the president described the annual celebration as an important symbol of nation-building, cultural pride and unity in diversity.
The Omagongo Cultural Festival, also known as Oshituthi shomagongo, is an annual celebration in northern Namibia that honors the processing and drinking of omagongo, a traditional beverage made from marula fruit. The festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015.
She said Namibia’s cultural diversity continues to serve as a foundation for national unity and should be embraced as a source of strength rather than division.
Addressing the gathering under the theme “Roots of our Unity, Seeds for our Future,” the president urged communities to preserve traditional knowledge systems, languages, songs, dances and customs for future generations.
The head of state also praised traditional authorities for their role in preserving Namibia’s cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion within communities.
She noted that the Omagongo Festival was unified into a national cultural celebration in 2001 under the leadership of Founding President Sam Nujoma, adding that the event continues to reflect the country’s commitment to cultural diversity and national identity.
The president further encouraged greater investment in products linked to the marula fruit, highlighting its economic, nutritional, cosmetic and cultural value.
She called on young people, women, the private sector and research institutions to collaborate in promoting and documenting indigenous knowledge systems as part of Namibia’s development agenda.
Addressing social challenges affecting communities, the president urged Namibians to reject violence, criminality, corruption, alcohol and drug abuse, saying such practices threaten peace, stability and the moral fabric of society.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to continue strengthening unity and resolving differences through dialogue, mutual respect and understanding while building a peaceful and prosperous Namibia grounded in its cultural values and identity.
