Katima mulilo: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has praised Mfumu Joseph Tembwe Mayuni III of the Mashi Traditional Authority for his significant contributions to Namibia's economy through conservation. The Prime Minister was speaking at the one-day Tulikonge Cultural Festival celebration on Sunday, where he was the guest of honour.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngurare noted that the authority's conservation efforts have made the community a tourism hub. 'Camp Kwando and Namushasha Lodge beam daily with countless tourists who come here to witness and feel the natural beauty of the Mashi River, which is the Kwando River,' he said. He also praised the unity shown at the festival, highlighting it as the event's most admirable feature.
Ngurare commended the unity seen at other recent festivals, including the Masubia Cultural Festival in July and the Batsara Batsapi Annual Cultural Festival in August. 'I call on all our esteemed traditional leaders all over Namibia to emulate this unifying example of traditional leaders in the Zambezi Region,' he stated.
On the topic of conservation, Ngurare lauded Mfumu Mayuni III as a champion of conservancy in the country, who has successfully safeguarded the land's economy by establishing several conservancies. He also pointed out that the Bafwe community has balanced environmental protection with agricultural activities, ensuring both conservation and food production.
Ngurare stressed that all traditional authorities should ensure protected areas on state land are not encroached upon. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to agriculture, improving access to education, healthcare, water, housing, and sanitation, as well as job creation. The PM concluded by pledging to attend next week's Lusata Cultural Festival of the Mafwe Traditional Authority.
The Tulikonge annual festival is celebrated to preserve, promote and celebrate the Bafwe heritage, values, norms, customs and traditions, including music, dance, art and rituals by providing a platform for the community to showcase their identity to both their own youth and visitors. It also serves as an economic driver through tourism, support for local artisans, foster cross-cultural understanding and act as a crucial means to strengthen community bonds and cultural identity in the face of today's modernisation.
Sunday marked the 28th year of the re-establishment of the traditional authority and 21 years of government recognition since the forceful removal of Chief Namulimbwa Mayuni II in 1909 by the Germany colonial government.