Windhoek: The 2025 Namibia Heritage Week officially kicked off in Windhoek on Wednesday under the theme ‘Bahindi Belambi Lye Chizo Chetu’ in Subia, which translates to ‘Torchbearers of our Heritage.’ The week, celebrated annually during the third week of September, runs from 15 to 21 September this year and is aimed at encouraging Namibians to take pride in their cultural diversity and to preserve indigenous knowledge.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Acting Executive Deputy Director in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), Sarah Negumbo, highlighted during the event that the theme emphasizes the responsibility of every Namibian to safeguard and transmit traditions, customs, and values to future generations. “Our forefathers and foremothers kept our culture alive by passing down stories, song, and rituals. Today we carry the same responsibility to ensure that the young generation learns and develops this legacy,” she said.

Negumbo encouraged Namibians to embrace diversity and take pride in their cultural identity. “Let us recognise and celebrate every strength and talent while nurturing the young generation to become the future torchbearers of our heritage,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, prominent visual artist and musician Ndasuunye Shikongeni, better known as Papa Shikongeni, called on Namibians to protect indigenous knowledge systems and languages, stressing that cultural identity should not only be celebrated on designated days. “Heritage is everything we inherit from the past, both tangible and intangible. It must be embraced daily so that future generations can appreciate who they are and where they come from,” he said.

Heritage Week activities include exhibitions, guided tours, cultural performances, and discussions organized by the National Archives of Namibia and other institutions countrywide.