The annual Nama festival returns to Keetmanshoop with a focus on cultural preservation and unity. 
The 7th edition of the festival is scheduled for the 28th to 30th of this month.

Themed "Building a Unified System for Cultural Continuity", it aims to preserve the Nama language, tradition and identity.

This year, new initiatives will be introduced to teach the Nama language to a wider audience alongside gospel shows, bonfires, house parades and music performances.

Delri Stoffel is a member of the organising committee and says, "There are exciting things like games we will be introducing, like the 30 seconds. I am personally excited for this; it's very innovative, the team came up with that which will be in our language. We started with the bonfire, but this year it will be bigger; we are going all out so the youth can look forward to it. With this bonfire we will give the youth the opportunity to sit around the fire and speak about different challenges, different expectations for the life of our everyday youth that we can discuss."

One of the main attractions of the festival is the cultural village, which is a special section where they recreate and showcase the traditional Nama life, customs and heritage.

"We are focusing on the Namastap, how our forefathers used to dance the Nama stap, the original one, not the one that is fashioned. They will also be looking, focusing on the first Nama house that will be built, how it was built, so all will that will be happening at the cultural village."

Stoffel also highlighted the Nama anthem will be launched.
There will also be a gospel show, which comes at a fee for those who wish to attend.