Hamutumwa calls for intangible cultural heritage preservation

Hilma Nakanduungile

ONAMBUTU – Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa has warned that Namibia’s valuable traditions, knowledge, and practices risk disappearing forever as their ageing custodians pass away.

Speaking recently at the inaugural celebration of the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage at Onambutu Combined School, Hamutumwa called for urgent, concerted national efforts to preserve the country’s living history.

In a speech read on her behalf, she urged younger generations to actively learn from their elders, emphasising that safeguarding traditional craftsmanship not only protects Namibian identity but also opens doors for sustainable livelihoods and local entrepreneurship.

Organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, the first-ever celebration was held under the theme: “Celebrating Namibia’s Craftsmanship: Safeguarding Our Heritage, Identity and Traditional Knowledge.”

The celebration drew a diverse group of participants from six regions: Kunene, Kavango West, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto and Ohangwena.

“As a nation, we must ensure that this knowledge does not disappear with the passing of its custodians. Our elders must have opportunities to teach our children, our cultural practitioners must be supported, and our young people must be encouraged to learn and carry these traditions forward,” she said.

Hamutumwa also called for greater support for skilled cultural practitioners, saying traditional craftsmanship should be passed on to younger generations not only to safeguard heritage, but also to create opportunities for entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

“In promoting these opportunities, let us ensure that cultural practitioners receive appropriate recognition for their knowledge and work,” she said. Ohangwena Director of Education Isak Hamatwi echoed the governor’s sentiments, urging Namibians to take collective responsibility for keeping their ancestral wisdom, values, languages and traditions alive.

He warned that losing touch with one’s cultural roots could leave future generations vulnerable to losing their identity.

“A society that understands and appreciates its intangible cultural heritage stands on a firm foundation; meanwhile, a generation that loses touch with its cultural roots stands on shaky ground and risks being swept away by any strong culture that comes its way,” Hamatwi said. Namibia has already secured international recognition for some of its cultural traditions. According to Hamutumwa, Oshituthi shomagongo, the marula fruit festival, was inscribed on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015.

In 2020, Aboxan Musik ǀŌb ǂÂns tsî ǁKhasigu, referring to ancestral musical sound knowledge and skills, was inscribed on Unesco’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Unesco adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003, with Namibia ratifying it on 19 September 2007.

In 2023, the proclamation of 17 October as the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage further strengthened international efforts to protect living heritage.

The platform brought together custodians of traditional knowledge, cultural groups, traditional leaders, government officials, learners, and parents to share cultural practices, pass knowledge between generations, and celebrate Namibia’s diverse heritage.

*Hilma Nakanduungile is an Information Officer in the ICT ministry, based in Ohangwena region.

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