By Staff Reporter
NAMIBIAN Prime Minister , Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called for unity, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment during the Mafwe Lusata Annual Cultural Festival on Sunday , at Chinchimane where he addressed traditional leaders, government officials, and regional dignitaries.
The festival, hosted under the leadership of His Royal Highness Litunga George Simasiku Mamili VII of the Mafwe Tribe, which brought together a diverse gathering that included traditional authorities from Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, as well as national leaders and foreign delegations.
Delivering the keynote statement, Ngurare extended greetings from President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is currently attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He praised the Zambezi Region for showcasing unity through its rich cycle of cultural festivals this year, which included the Munitenge, Batsara, Tulikonge, and Lusata celebrations.
“Leading a divided nation is just not on the President’s menu. Through your unity, you have made her year,” Ngurare said, underscoring the importance of traditional authorities in strengthening national cohesion.
The Prime Minister also emphasized economic empowerment and development, highlighting government’s commitment to turn the Zambezi Region into a “bread basket” through expanded agricultural initiatives, borehole drilling, improved sanitation, and rural infrastructure development. He reiterated that every borehole drilled by government remains public property under the Water Resources Management Act of 2013, ensuring equal access to water.
Ngurare tied these efforts to the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which focuses on “Unity in Diversity: Natural Resources Beneficiation and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.” He stressed that Namibia must stop exporting raw resources and instead invest in local processing industries to benefit its people directly. He cited the mango processing plant project in Katima Mulilo as one example of regional economic diversification.
As an example, Ngurare highlighted the government’s partnership with the University of Namibia to establish a mango processing plant in Katima Mulilo, a project he said will unlock enormous economic potential for the Zambezi Region.
“Zambezi is blessed with abundant mangoes that often go to waste. By building a processing plant, we will not only curb this waste but also create jobs, support farmers, and add value to one of the region’s most natural resources,” he explained.
Youth empowerment featured prominently in his message. The Prime Minister reminded the audience that young people made up over 70% of voters in the 2024 elections, insisting it is government’s duty to translate their votes into tangible opportunities. He announced that the National Youth Fund will be launched in Gobabis, Omaheke Region, to provide financial support and mentorship for the youth.
Beyond development, Ngurare celebrated the cultural significance of the Lusata Festival, calling it a “magnificent mosaic” that preserves the Mafwe’s identity and heritage while promoting peace and tourism.
He further reflected on the historical role of the Mafwe people in Namibia’s liberation struggle, particularly Litunga Simasiku Mamili IV’s decision to join the Caprivi African National Union (CANU), which later merged with SWAPO.
“The blood of those who paid the ultimate price for Namibia’s freedom waters our independence,” Ngurare reminded the youth, urging them never to betray the sacrifices of their forefathers.
As the festival closed in celebration, the Prime Minister commended the Mafwe community for their resilience, unity, and leadership. He stressed that traditional authorities remain a vital pillar of governance and cultural preservation in Namibia.
In conclusion, Dr. Ngurare urged Namibians to march forward in peace and harmony, reminding all that unity is the key to sustainable development, wealth creation, and prosperity.
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