Dalene Kooper
BLOUWES – Calls for unity among traditional leaders and greater economic participation by young people dominated the annual //Haboben Cultural Festival at Blouwes on Saturday.
Held under the theme ‘Let Us Confront Opportunities’, the festival brought together members of the //Haboben Traditional Community, visiting communities, government officials and other stakeholders to celebrate culture while reflecting on challenges affecting traditional communities.
//Kharas governor and //Haboben Gaob Dawid Gertze, together with Berseba constituency councillor and Member of Parliament Raymond Jossop, stressed that unity among traditional authorities and youth empowerment are critical to the region’s future.
Addressing the gathering, Jossop described disunity among traditional authorities as one of the greatest threats facing communities in southern Namibia.
“I stand before you as one of the youngest regional councillors in this region, serving the largest constituency where the majority of traditional authorities reside,” he said.
“The crisis of disunity and factionalism among our traditional authorities is the greatest threat we face today.”
According to Jossop, leadership disputes have become public battles that weaken communities, confuse young people and delay development.
“Our innocent young people do not only look to us for guidance; they look to us as mentors and examples. But what do they see? They see leaders who cannot sit together in the same room.”
He said customary laws, which were created to unite and protect communities, are increasingly being used to deepen divisions.
Jossop said no outside institution would solve the problem unless traditional leaders themselves chose reconciliation.
“There is no lawyer, no minister and no president who will come and solve this problem for us,” he said.
“We cannot continue blaming government. Unity is not a gift that will be handed to us. It is a choice we must make.”
Using the parable of a bundle of sticks, he urged leaders to set aside personal ambition and prioritise the welfare of their communities.
“While we fight over sticks, our people go hungry, our youth lose hope, our culture fades, and our opportunities slip away,” he said.
He further called for humility, compromise and a renewed spirit of ubuntu, saying communities could only prosper if leaders restored trust and unity. Echoing the festival’s theme, Gaob Gertze challenged young //Haboben people to confront opportunities rather than wait for them.
“The //Kharas region is rich in opportunities in the mining, agriculture, tourism and renewable energy sectors, but many young people are failing to benefit because they have not equipped themselves with the necessary skills,” Gertze said.
He encouraged young people to pursue vocational training and technical careers such as welding, plumbing, electrical work, mechanics, hospitality and heavy machinery operation, saying every honest profession contributes to self-reliance and economic growth.
He also urged young people to explore self-employment through poultry, piggery, livestock farming and cooperatives while taking advantage of government support programmes and available training opportunities.
“We have vast communal areas that are waiting for us to bring them to life. I challenge our youth to think creatively,” Gertze said.
The region’s political head further warned against alcohol and drug abuse, describing substance abuse as a major obstacle to development as it destroys ambition, productivity and future prospects.
“If you want to be part of the future, drugs and alcohol are outdated. They have no place in the //Haboben we are building,” the Gaob said.
