By Staff Reporter
Prime Minister, Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has recognized the new Chief of the Masubia Tribe, and praised the Masubia community for upholding unity and tradition.
Ngurare paid homage to Chief Gilbert Mutwa Moraliswani III on Saturday, during the Masubia Cultural Festival held at Bukalo.
Dr. Ngurare revealed that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially gazetted Chief Gilbert Muhongo Mutwa as the Simwine (King) of the Masubia people on 15 July 2025, ending a leadership vacuum that had persisted since the passing of the late Munitenge Kisco Maiba Liswani III in 2021.
“For almost four years, the Masubia people have not held this annual cultural celebration due to the absence of a Simwine,” said Dr. Ngurare. “This year’s festival is not just a celebration of tradition it is also a historic moment of renewal and leadership.”
The Prime Minister called for a moment of silence to honour the late Simwine Liswani III, before paying tribute to past leaders who shaped the identity and resilience of the Masubia people.
This year’s festival was held under the theme “Vwikuhane Vwetu”, the festival attracted attendees from across Namibia as well as from Botswana and Zambia, countries where Masubia communities also reside.
The event showcased traditional food, attire, music, and dance, symbolizing the unity and shared heritage of the Subia-speaking people.
“Culture is the soul of a people,” Dr. Ngurare told the gathering. “A person without culture is like a tree without roots any wind can knock it over. We must take pride in our identity and pass it on to the next generation.”
He applauded the Masubia elders for preserving cultural values and praised the youth for embracing their traditions. “If you do not have calves, your livestock will not multiply,” he said, using a Subia proverb to stress the importance of cultural continuity through young people.
The Prime Minister also reflected on Namibia’s struggle for independence, warning against ethnic division and tribalism. “Our former colonial regimes tried to divide us along tribal lines, but we rejected that. Today, we are a united nation, proud of our diversity.”
Dr. Ngurare also highlighted the recent national development initiatives, including the release of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), and the performance report of the 8th Administration, presented earlier in the week by President Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“These documents are not just plans they are commitments to improving the lives of every Namibian. Let us all be part of this transformative journey,” he said.
The recognition of Simwine Gilbert Muhongo Mutwa marks a turning point for the Masubia community, signaling a renewed era of leadership, unity, and cultural pride.
END…
Loading …
Leave a Reply