Maria David and Placido Hilukilwa
WHOEVER has no culture has no identity, said the ruling SWAPO Party’s Secretary-General, Sophia Shaningwa, at Outapi in the Omusati Region on Friday.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony of the 2025 Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival, Shaningwa retraced the background of the festival and the immense contribution of its late patron, Founding President Sam Nujoma.
She cited one of the late Nujoma’s timeless statements, namely: “A nation without culture is like a tree without roots. When the wind blows, it uproots that tree.”
She explained the Olufuko Festival’s historic background, with the support provided by Founding President Sam Nujoma as the common denominator.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, who delivered the keynote speech, said that President Nujoma is gone but not forgotten, since his footprints, teachings, and voice resonate in every aspect of Olufuko, “now and for always.”
According to Ngurare, Founding President Nujoma believed deeply in the power of culture to ground and guide a people.
“Indeed, through his leadership and vision, Olufuko was revived and recognised as more than a ceremony. It became a national treasure — a space to connect generations, a bridge from tradition to transformation, a proud declaration of who we are and who we strive to be,” said Ngurare.
Also speaking during the event, Regional Governor Erginus Endjala said the significance of the cultural festival, while the head of the Ombalantu Traditional Authority, Chief Oswin Mukulu, delved into the crucial role of traditional authorities and their commitment to the Olufuko Festival and other cultural practices.