Africa-Press – Namibia. A powerful symbol of unity echoed across Sangwali this past weekend as Namibia’s Prime Minister, Elijah Ngurare, stood before the Mayeyi community and reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to unity in diversity.
Ngurare has urged Namibians to rise above tribal and ethnic divisions, calling them destructive forces that threaten the country’s cohesion.
During a community dialogue on national unity, he encouraged citizens to see diversity as a source of strength rather than conflict.
“Imagine a zebra without its stripes — it would lose its beauty,” Ngurare said, using a vivid metaphor.
Our ethnic differences are our stripes; they make us unique and strong, his words echoing the importance of embracing diversity.
His remarks come amid rising concerns over tribal rhetoric in political and social realms. Speaking at the Batsara Batsapi Annual Cultural Festival – a lively showcase of the Mayeyi people’s rich heritage — Ngurare’s speech was both a celebration of cultural pride and a call for national unity. He lamented the divisive nature of tribal and ethnic conflicts, urging Namibians to see their differences as strengths. “Our ethnic differences are our stripes; they make us unique and strong,” he reiterated.
“I left Bukalo last week deeply touched by the symbol of unity I saw at the Masubia Cultural Festival. Today [Sunday, 3 August 2025], in Sangwali, that same message is echoed,” Ngurare.
He continued, “For the first time, all four traditional leaders of the Zambezi region are celebrating together under one roof — a historic moment of unity.”
Ngurare praised the collective effort of Boniface Lutibezi Shufu (Mayeyi chief), Munitenge Moraliswani III (Masubia chief), Fumu Joseph Tembwe Mayuni (Mashi chief), and Litunga George Mamili (Mafwe chief), recognizing their efforts to promote peace and cultural preservation.
“I don’t want to lead a divided nation” – A mother’s plea. Conveying greetings from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Prime Minister reminded everyone of her heartfelt message: “I don’t want to lead a divided nation.” Ngurare highlighted the Mayeyi community’s history, recounting their struggle for recognition as a distinct group. From their early petition to the apartheid regime in 1985 to official recognition by Namibia’s government in 1992, he praised their resilience.
“You should be proud of your ancestry,” Ngurare said, referencing legendary figures like Hankuzi, a skilled fisherman and hunter who led the Mayeyi through Ngamiland into Namibia.
He also highlighted their expertise in canoe-building, fishing, hunting, and foraging—traditions that remain central to the Mayeyi identity. A tribute to local heroes. Ngurare honoured the Mayeyi people’s contributions to Namibia’s liberation struggle, mentioning heroes like Lawrence Alufea Sampofu, and former PLAN commanders Kanungo Makumbi, Michael Mukendwa, Gibson Masule, Geoffrey Masukubili, Mulife Simwanza and Joubert Munyandi.
“The Mayeyi community has produced legends whose sacrifices and bravery helped shape Namibia’s freedom. Their legacy lives on through this cultural festival,” he noted. In a heartfelt appeal, Ngurare warned that unity must go beyond tribal, regional, and national borders.
He called on traditional authorities in Namibia and Botswana to strengthen ties, emphasising that isolation leads to insignificance. “A traditional authority that becomes an island onto itself is like an empty vessel making noise but signifying nothing. Let us embrace one another despite our differences,” he said. Ngurare assured everyone that the government is committed to supporting community development, citing the Swapo Party Election Manifesto 2025-2030 and the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). He reaffirmed that unity is key to providing essential services and infrastructure, from water and sanitation to telecommunications, roads, and jobs. “This is the meaning of freedom.
This is the goal of independence. This was the reason for the long liberation struggle led by Swapo under the leadership of our [late] Founding Father Sam Nujoma,” Ngurare emphasised.
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