Windhoek: Zambezi Governor, Dorothy Kabula-Simushi, has called on Namibians to preserve their cultural heritage, emphasizing its role as a vital link between the past, present, and future. Kabula-Simushi made these remarks during the official launch of Namibia Heritage Week at Greenwell Matongo Primary School in the Zambezi Region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kabula-Simushi highlighted that heritage extends beyond traditional clothing, food, and music, serving as a guardian of community history and a reflection of identity and origins. "Each distinct filament holds fast to its own roots while supporting the whole structure. Let us embrace our rich tapestry of history, culture, and heritage," she expressed.
This year's Heritage Week is observed under the theme, 'Preserving Heritage for Future Generations'. The governor emphasized that preserving heritage involves communities learning their local history, speaking their mother tongues, and teaching children about the country's cultural diversity.
Kabula-Simushi further stated that Namibia Heritage Week serves as an annual reminder of the significance of the country's monuments, traditions, and customs. It provides communities with the opportunity to transfer their history, values, and practices to future generations. "Culture provides us with an opportunity to celebrate local identity while promoting inclusivity and the exchange of ideas among different cultures. As we honor our ancestors and elders who paved the way before us, let us look ahead and commit ourselves to promoting unity, peace, and mutual respect," she noted.
She also mentioned that Heritage Week should be a platform to address contemporary issues like social justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Kabula-Simushi urged museums, art centers, cultural villages, and researchers to engage in academic research to enhance understanding of local heritage, and encouraged teachers to continue imparting cultural knowledge to current and future generations.
The acting principal of Greenwell Matongo Primary School, Angela Nosiku, supported these sentiments by stating that heritage represents people's identity, origins, values, and the legacy they leave behind. "As a school, we have a responsibility to help learners understand where they come from and inspire them to protect and carry forward what is valuable," Nosiku said.
The event was organized by the Zambezi Regional Directorate of Education. Regional Education Director Alex Sikume noted that although September is Lifelong Learning Month, cultural preservation should be an ongoing commitment. Sikume shared his personal plan to commemorate Heritage Week by enjoying traditional foods from the region.
Heritage Week runs from Monday to Saturday, providing a dedicated time for communities to celebrate and preserve their cultural legacy.