19 Apr 2017

The Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Thato Kwerepe has urged the Mbaderu Youth Association of Botswana (MYAB) to double their efforts and ensure the long planned cultural village was established.

The association has been raising funds through different initiatives towards the establishment of the centre at Sehithwa which aims to promote Ovambanderu culture.

Kwerepe made the plea during the annual Otjingirine or Green Flag commemoration which attracted many people from Botswana and Namibia that the association and the Ovambanderu community should understand the benefit and the importance of the cultural village as it aimed to showcase their culture especially to the youth that seemed to have lost track in as far as culture was concerned. He said the community had a unique rich culture and history which was educative and informative hence the need to be documented and displayed for the public consumption.

“I want to see Sebaderu books, clothing displayed at the cultural village so that others could learn your language easily through reading and also appreciate your unique clothing and music,” he added. Kwerepe said last year their leader directed all the Ovambanderu leaders to pledge towards the construction of the centre and encouraged them to respect his word. The assistant minister pledged P1 000 .

For his part, the chairperson of MYAB, Henda Uananisa said  they needed more support to kick start the project. He appreciated efforts by their tribal leader whom he said pledged 5 000 Namibian dollars and also started the fund where he instructed all the local authorities to contribute P1 000 in support of the project.

“We are still waiting for the local authorities to bring their contributions,” he added.

Uananisa also explained that as the youth they were in a learning curve hence they needed guidance, direction and support from elders.

Meanwhile, the cultural village, he said would provide a platform for job creation and also diversify the local economy away from the traditional cattle rearing.

It would also become a leisure centre where young people would come and showcase their talents and avoid substance abuse that came with idleness. He said it would also enhance their social status as a community. “We want to show

Mbaderu young persons that they can be proud of their language, customs and culture.” BOPA