Vice President Lucia Witbooi has urged Namibians to promote unity by embracing cultural diversity and rejecting divisive tendencies, utterances, and practices.

She made the call while officiating at the sixth annual Nama Cultural Festival, held in Keetmanshoop under the theme “Nama people striving towards progress, growth and sustainability.”

“As Namibians, let these platforms not be mere gatherings, but let them enable us to forge a stronger and more resilient nation, anchored in the spirit of nationhood and patriotism under the banner of a stronger One Namibia and One Nation,” said Witbooi. “Let us use these platforms to gather around the celebration of our shared history, traditions and practices, showcasing our unique heritage and promoting values which unite us as one people.”

Witbooi praised the festival’s theme, but stressed that “growth, progress and sustainability can only be realised if a nation is united.”

She also called on traditional leaders to avoid division, especially in succession disputes, warning that such conflicts undermine development.

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare echoed her sentiments, stating that unity is the foundation of national strength.

“The Nama language is more special to us than French; we must speak it, sing it, and even smile in it. We must also smile in it,” said Ngurare, encouraging youth to take pride in their mother tongue.

Minister of Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, described the festival as a powerful expression of identity and collective memory.

“It offers and expresses an expression of our shared determination to advance towards unity, growth, prosperity, and healing. Nobody in our country should feel left out,” she said.

Festival chairperson Dirk #Eigub noted that the event has consistently attracted over 6,000 attendees since its inception.

“As we are gathered here today, let us remember that our unity is not just a concept,” said #Eigub. “It is a living, breathing entity that requires nurturing from each and every person that sits here today so that together we can create a future where culture thrives.”