04 Sep 2017

Hambukushu is one of the tribes committed to upholding their cultural values as evidenced by the annual Mbungu-Wa-Kathimana, an event that aims to preserve and revive their culture. 

The annual dance festival attracts different performing groups from the two countries. 

On its 17^th edition, this year’s Mbungu-Wa-Kathimana was held under the theme My Culture My Identity. 

Speaking at the event, Hambukushu Cultural Society chairperson in Namibia, Alfons Dikowa said the Hambukushu might be from different countries, but their culture was the same, hence the need to preserve it. 

He said this year’s theme suggested the importance of culture, because it was culture that defined people’s identity and origins, while he also encouraged unity among the Hambukushu. 

He also stressed the need for culture documentation for the future generation to always learn from. 

Meanwhile, sub-district coordinator in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Alfred Ditsile encouraged local performing groups to take their work seriously and ensure that one day they had a story to tell on the contribution they made on personal life economically. 

He also urged them to desist from fighting over prize monies from competitions such as the President’s Day and Constituency Arts. 

“Sit down as a team, not a group, consider yourselves as a team with various roles to play. 

One might think the prize monies are not enough, but with strategic budgeting you can achieve a lot,” he said. 

Nonetheless, the beloved Mbungu-Wa-Kathimana was an electrifying event given the performances from both Namibians and Batswana. 

Each group gave its best, but the highlight of the festival was performance by Mayapero, a group from Etsha 7, their Diware performance had a lot of energy and thrilling techniques of vigorous shoulder shaking dance. 

Hakambunda of Shakawe also gave an amazing piece of dance, their fast paced performance left the crowd asking for more.ENDS