Community members of Vaalgras Village in the ||Kharas Region converged at the tiny village over the weekend to pay homage to their fallen heroes during the annual festival.

Commemorated since 1971, the annual festival of the Vaalgras community, also known as Orlams, serves as a platform to preserve the clan's cultural heritage. 

Addressing the gathering, Vice President Lucia Witbooi reiterated the call on traditional leaders to lead their respective communities in unity while focusing on finding solutions to chieftaincy succession battles. 

"The motto of the Republic of Namibia: Unity, Solidarity and Justice. Unity is such a critical and dynamic tool for human existence. It is only through unity that a nation can build a nation."

Witbooi highlighted that festivals play a critical role in educating generations about cultural heritage. 

In observing a moment of silence, the festival attendees paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Cassinga massacre.

"The 4th of May and many other historic days on our national calendar forever remind us of the bitter and long struggle endured by our heroes and heroines, who sacrificed their lives to liberate our motherland."