A gala dinner at Okongo Village Council raised a total of N$497,200 in pledges towards the hosting of the 5th Omaludi Festival.
The Festival, which is the upcoming town’s annual expo, will take place from 25 to 30 May 2026 at the town situated in the far-eastern part of Ohangwena Region.
Although President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is the patron of the Festival, was supposed to attend and be the keynote speaker at the gala dinner, she delegated the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Anselm Marungu to attend on her behalf.
Marungu said that President Nandi-Ndaitwah will only attend and officially open the Omaludi Festival on 27 May.
“This gathering unites us each year, not only to celebrate our culture but also to reaffirm our commitment to fulfilling our national agenda,” said Marungu.
“Culture is what defines us and is uniquely Namibian. The government highly commends the enduring dedication to preserving our heritage.”
Marungu said that the Omaludi Festival is more than an event as it “embodies our identity as a people and our ability to transform dreams and aspirations into tangible achievements that advance our development agenda as a village council, as the people of Okongo, and as the broader Ohangwena region.
“This festival, in its entirety, reflects our way of life, traditions, resilience, and our deep connection to nature through cultivating the land.”
The Deputy Minister stated that the festival is renowned for its longstanding tradition of showcasing livestock and its rich culture of celebrating agriculture, especially farming.
“To this day, this festival has grown into a beacon of hope and a platform where farmers, businesses, innovators, and policymakers meet to share ideas, create opportunities, and drive development for the prosperity of Okongo as a community and Namibia as a whole.
“This year’s theme, ‘Agriculture and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth,’ tells a story of how collaboration can shape our future.
“It is a known fact that Agriculture feeds many if not all nations, while tourism has become the mirror that tells the world of our identity and what we have as a people.
“The theme brings together the two sectors to call for meaningful collaboration and the realization of our hidden potential in the untapped tourism sector.
“These two sectors have immense potential to unlock opportunities for our youth through empowerment, job creation, and, most importantly, by driving rural development.”
Marungu further commended farmers’ unwavering commitment to ensuring food security for Namibia.
“Your efforts not only represent a success story, but also exemplify a community advancing in step with the nation.
“Your efforts continue to sustain livelihoods in your communities and across Namibia.”
The Deputy Minister said that young people can become the solution to unemployment through innovation.
“The youth should therefore bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and modern technology in farming,” Marungu stated.
Hangala Foods was announced as the Main Sponsor of the 2026 Festival, with the pledge of N$50 000.
In an additional gesture of commitment, Yellow Stone Property cc pledged to sponsor the design and construction of two welcoming signs for Okongo up to the value of N$80 000, an amount that is separate from the total amount raised at the gala dinner.
“Okongo Village Council extends sincere appreciation to all sponsors, stakeholders, and supporters, especially our Patron, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, for her unwavering support,” said Okongo Village Council CEO Mr Jackson Muma.
“Together, we are building a stronger future through agriculture, heritage, and community development.”
In the photo: Officials from Hangala Foods and those of Okongo Village Council exchanging the gesture.
