03 Sep 2019

Mbanderu Youth Association of Botswana (MYAB) has been hailed for the construction of a cultural heritage centre.

 Ovambanderu paramount chief in Namibia, Kgosi Killus Nguvauva praised the association during its 20^th anniversary celebrations, saying members had demonstrated commitment, hard work and perseverance towards achieving their dream of having a cultural heritage centre.

The association had been longing for the project and it secured a commercial plot in Sehithwa where it constructed some structures to kick-start the long awaited cultural heritage centre.

The centre will not only serve as the headquarters of the association, but also as the centre for the community in its desire to bring hope and prospects of diversity to realise economic transformation.

The MYAB is a culturally-oriented and advocacy youth group from the Ovambanderu community living in Botswana. It was formed as a result of the increasing threat of extinction of Ovambanderu cultural norms, values and language. 

The main objective of the association is to protect and promote Ovambanderu cultural heritage, human rights, education, health and also to support good governance and the rule of law in society.

The association has been raising funds for the project and they have completed the construction of ablution blocks and identified spaces for campsites and the administration block.

Kgosi Nguvauva said through the project, the youth would be able to showcase their dynamic and unique culture, and thanked them for making visible efforts despite the challenges they encountered.

Kgosi Nguvauva also appreciated the objectives of the association, stating that it aimed to instill a sense of pride among young people and discipline. 

He stressed the need for the youth to refrain from things that could destroy their future and bring confusion as far as culture was concerned.

He said they should avoid drugs and alcohol as they were not good for their health and future.

Kgosi Nguvauva also urged parents to provide guidance and parental support to children so that they could grow into responsible citizens.

Association members were urged to support their leadership to ensure the project became a success.

Kgosi Nguvauva said the project was ideal as it would benefit them as they would learn more about their history.

He assured Ovambanderu who had interest to trace their roots in Namibia that they were welcomed if the two governments of Botswana and Namibia could finalise the process of repatriation.

He also wished those who wanted to remain in Botswana a happy stay until they made their choice to go back.

The association chairperson, Mr Ikumba Ngaruka said the association was made up of young people and was established and formally registered in 1999.

He said the association’s key objectives included the promotion of the Ovambanderu culture and its preservation. He said it would also instill its norms and customs on younger generations to ensure sustainability of this unique and exciting culture.

Mr Ngaruka added that by celebrating their existence, they needed to reflect on their achievements and challenges with the aim to find solutions. 

He revealed that they had achieved a lot and thanked Ovambanderu community for their support.

Mr Ngaruka also stressed the need for the elders to trace their roots and impart knowledge to the youngsters on how they practiced their tradition. He noted that in the past people did not access modern health services because the tribe had traditional healers.

The association, he said, aimed to grow the local economy and make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. 

He said they started with five branches across the country and that the association stood for their rights. Ends