Ngurare praises Zambezi leaders for unity - nbc скачать в хорошем качестве

Ngurare praises Zambezi leaders for unity - nbc

Prime Minister Elija Ngurare has commended traditional leaders in the Zambezi Region for demonstrating unity of purpose, saying it reflects the vision of a peaceful and united Namibia as championed by the country’s founding leaders. Speaking at the Tulikonge Cultural Festival of the Mashi Traditional Authority, Dr. Ngurare noted that the same unity was visible during the Masubia Cultural Festival at Bukalo and the Batshara Festival at Sangwali earlier this year. He said this spirit of togetherness is a source of pride for President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has stressed the importance of leading a united nation. The Prime Minister stressed the critical role of traditional authorities in promoting peace, safeguarding land rights, resolving disputes, and protecting natural resources. He praised the Mashi Traditional Authority for its leadership in conservation, particularly through the establishment of conservancies that have boosted tourism and sustainable livelihoods in the region. Dr. Ngurare, who delivered the keynote address at the festival, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving access to education, health facilities, housing, water, and sanitation. He highlighted the long-awaited water supply pipelines from Kongola to Katima and from Katima to Ngoma via Sangwali and Muyako as priority projects to enhance agricultural production and job creation. The Omfumu of the Mashi Traditional Authority has called on the government to urgently address the plight of the Bafwe community under the traditional authority, citing a lack of water, electricity, schools, and fair benefit sharing from conservancies. In a speech read on his behalf at the Tulikonge cultural festival, which marked the 28th anniversary of the reestablishment of the Mashi Traditional Authority, Mfumu Joseph Tembwe Mayuni III said his people remain marginalised despite Namibia’s strides since independence. He highlighted water shortages along the Lizauli–Singalamwe stretch, where boreholes frequently break down, and stressed that electricity must become a basic service for households and businesses. Mfumu commended the government for declaring free education starting in 2026, but criticised delays in upgrading Kongola Combined School to include Grades 10 and 11, while also calling for a new school in Kayuwo to protect young children from walking long distances. He also reaffirmed the importance of conservancies in creating jobs and protecting wildlife, but urged the government to intervene in disputes over benefit-sharing, stating that conservancies were created to uplift communities and not discriminate against them or bring about division regarding sharing resources. He further expressed frustration over the Bwabwata National Park issue, warning that the Bafwe may reclaim their ancestral land if the government continues to allow settlements by others while excluding his people. Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula has emphasised the importance of continued unity in the region, urging individuals and communities to reject isolation and division. She stated that unity of purpose is the foundation of nation-building. “We must never allow tribalism, regionalism, or secessionist sentiments to break the bonds that hold us together. Our strength lies in our diversity, but our survival and development depend on our unity. Let us walk together as brothers and sisters, for no nation ever developed while fighting itself,” Kabula said. She commended the unity demonstrated by the four traditional authorities in the region through their collective presence at the Tulikonge Cultural Festival, hosted by the Mashi Traditional Authority on Sunday. Kabula noted that the attendance of other traditional authorities at the festival is not only symbolic but also powerful, sending a clear message that differences are being set aside to work together in building a resilient community.