Windhoek: Residents of the Otjozondjupa Region gathered in Otjiwarongo on Monday to celebrate the start of the annual Heritage Week celebrations through traditional performances, oral storytelling, and exhibitions of artefacts at the Museum of Namibian Fashion.

According to Namibia Press Agency, several local schools participated in the event, which began with a street march from Orwetoveni location. Otjozondjupa Governor, John ||Khamuseb, officially opened the weeklong activities, highlighting the role of heritage as a bridge between the past, present, and future by telling the history of the Namibian people.

Governor ||Khamuseb emphasized that heritage is found in the languages, traditional knowledge, dances, clothing, food, oral traditions, historical sites, traditional systems, and values that have guided communities for generations. He noted that losing heritage would risk losing an important part of identity and cultural belonging. He also stressed that preserving heritage should not solely be the Government's responsibility but should involve families, schools, traditional and local authorities, and cultural institutions.

Otjiwarongo Deputy Mayor Sebetius Guiteb encouraged learners to learn from their elders and embrace local community practices. He called on Namibians to unite through heritage and promote each other's cultural identities while empowering future generations. Guiteb also highlighted the potential of using heritage for economic empowerment through crafts, food, indigenous music, creativity, and fashion promotion.

Otjozondjupa Education Director Gerhard Ndafenongo addressed learners, sharing stories and reminding teachers to respect all Namibian traditions equally, asserting that no tradition or culture is superior to others. He commended the region's Division of Lifelong Learning, Arts, and Culture for organizing the event around the theme "Preserving Heritage for the Next Generation."

Celebrations across the region are set to continue until 20 September 2026, concluding at the Museum of Namibian Fashion.