Outapi: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibians to preserve their cultural heritage while embracing education, science, and technology, saying the country can modernize without losing its identity. In a statement delivered on her behalf by Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, at the official opening of the 2026 Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival in Outapi, President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that culture remains central to nation-building and social cohesion.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the importance of national development being aligned with cultural roots. She pointed out that Namibia has the right to pursue development while remaining deeply connected to its traditions. "We must build modern cities and while we embrace science and technology, we should ensure that we educate our children for the industries of tomorrow and compete confidently in the global economy while remaining proudly rooted in who we are," she stated.
The Olufuko festival, revived in Outapi in 2012, has evolved beyond a cultural ceremony to serve as a platform for promoting tourism, enterprise, education, and cultural preservation. At this year's festival, it was announced that out of the 121 young women expected to participate, 95 are attending, with 26 opting to return to school holiday classes. Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged the young women to continue their education and pursue future careers, stressing that nothing should prevent them from becoming entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, innovators, and leaders.
Meanwhile, the Sam Nujoma Foundation also emphasized the significance of cultural traditions. In a statement delivered on behalf of Nahas Angula, chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation, it was noted that the late Founding President Sam Nujoma consistently encouraged young women participating in Olufuko to prioritize education. Angula urged the initiates to consider careers in fields such as medicine, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and technical education, reminding them that marriage should come after completing their studies.
The foundation further appealed to families and communities to instill traditional values in young people and promote responsible citizenship, aligning with Nujoma's belief that "a nation without a culture is like a tree without roots."