Windhoek: Chief Gilbert Muhongo Mutwa III of the Masubia Traditional Authority has urged his subjects to attend cultural festivals to transfer knowledge of the Masubia culture that cannot be found in books, to the youth.According to Namibia Press Agency, in a speech delivered on his behalf on Saturday at the Masubia Cultural Festival held at Bukalo, the chief highlighted the irreplaceable role of elders, describing them as living libraries whose experiences cannot be matched by any search engine or online tool. 'Our elders are your libraries. No Google can replace their stories. I urge parents to come to schools, come to festivals, sit with the youth and transfer what books cannot teach,' he said.The chief stated that no online tool can replace lived experiences, reminding the gathering that the Masubia are river people, fishermen, and community builders whose strength lies in dialogue around the fire and settling disputes with words and not weapons. He encouraged the youth to use their smartphones to rec ord the stories told by their elders and traditional dances like the 'sipelu', advising them to remain rooted while embracing modernity.The chief also advocated for equal weight for cultural clubs alongside sports clubs at schools. Beyond cultural preservation, he also addressed broader regional concerns regarding the slow progress of capital projects and the long distances residents must travel to reach referral hospitals.Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi meanwhile welcomed the attendance of regional and cross-border traditional authorities as a reflection of peace, unity, and diversity. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered the keynote address at the gathering that included high-ranking state officials, current and former parliamentarians, and international guests.