The Ombalantu Traditional Authority says participating in Olufuko is a cultural step towards adulthood, not a sign that young girls are ready for marriage.
Speaking to young women during the festival at Outapi on Friday, Ombalantu chief Oswin Mukulu said the event teaches young girls about culture, including how to greet different groups of people, such as men, women and their peers.
“Calm down. If you take part, it means you have passed the traditional matric and when you leave here, you are still going to continue to get a diploma. Go study your books,” he said.
Mukulu said Olufuko is one of several cultural ceremonies practised by Ovawambo communities, with others including the lighting of fire, Oshipe and ceremonies involving babies.
“These things are done for our culture, to know where we come from and to unite us. A nation without culture is nothing,” Mukulu said.
Mukulu urged parents and traditional leaders to teach young people about their culture and traditions and encouraged more young girls to take part in the festival next year.
A total of 83 girls took part in this year’s Olufuko, according to the traditional authority.
Of these, 53 were from Ombalantu, eight from Ombadja and 22 from Uukolonkadhi.
“It is not marriage, but a step taken to uphold the culture and ways of the Ovawambo culture, for young people to know what to do when they build families in the future,” he said.
Olufuko is an annual event to preserve the culture and heritage and ensure that young girls are ushered into womanhood
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