Bukalo: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that Namibia's development journey is closely tied to the Zambezi Region, especially its agricultural sector. Speaking at the annual Masubia Cultural Festival at the Royal Headquarters of Bukalo, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the region's potential to become Namibia's food basket due to its abundant natural resources and strategic minerals.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the president stressed the government's commitment to addressing challenges such as unemployment through policies focused on value addition, including agro-processing. She called on stakeholders in the agriculture sector to ensure that every seed planted contributes to food production.

The president acknowledged the efforts of farmers, particularly those involved in Green Schemes, for their hard work resulting in a good harvest despite milling challenges faced by grain producers. She assured ongoing government support to prevent agricultural produce from going to waste and to provide solutions for flood-prone constituencies under the Masubia Traditional Authority and other regions.

Nandi-Ndaitwah urged traditional leaders to prioritize community welfare and development, emphasizing the role of cultures as vital pillars for the nation's future. She also addressed the need to resolve land and chieftaincy disputes through customary laws rather than civil courts, cautioning against the dilution of cultural norms.

The president also welcomed the recent coronation of Hompa Bartholomeus Aruita Kayoka, Chief of the VaGciriku Traditional Authority, noting that it adhered to customary norms, thereby strengthening tradition and unity.

The festival, themed "Preserving our Cultural Heritage, Celebrating our Future," marked the second annual celebration following interruptions due to COVID-19 and the passing of Chief Kisco Maiba Liswani III in 2021. The event was attended by high-ranking government officials and former ministers and parliamentarians.