Namas to celebrate heritage and culture

All roads will lead to Keetmanshoop, where the 7th edition of the Nama Cultural Festival takes place at Westdene Stadium from 28 to 31 May 2026.

The Nama Cultural Festival promises a vibrant weekend of cultural celebration under the theme “Building a Unified System for Cultural Continuity”, with organisers describing the event as both historic and wide-ranging in scope.

Delri Stoffel, a member of the festival organising committee, says one of the key highlights this year is the launch of the Nama anthem, !Noa#khai, at the opening ceremony. “Marcellinus Swartbooi, who composed the anthem, will showcase the song and teach us how we need to sing it.” 

Stoffel said the festival is expected to attract between 8 000 and 10 000 visitors to Keetmanshoop, boosting the local economy. She added that accommodation establishments are already fully booked. Entrepreneurs also play a key role, with opportunities to produce and sell traditional clothing, jewellery and crafts during the event. Traditional medicines will also be on display. “People will be showcasing their handiwork through crafts, traditional dresses and attire. There is a lot to learn and a lot to look forward to,” Stoffel said.

Immersive experience - The festival was started seven years ago by a group of young people aiming to preserve the Nama language, culture and identity, and to promote unity within the community. Stoffel said new elements are introduced each year to strengthen those objectives, including last year’s youth bonfire initiative, which created space for young people to discuss challenges and promote the use of Khoekhoegowab.

This year’s programme includes a language booth and interactive games in Khoekhoegowab, attracting visitors from across Namibia and neighbouring countries such as Botswana and South Africa. “At the language booth, people will be taught the basics of Khoekhoegowab, and we will also host panel discussions on a wide range of topics concerning the Nama people,” she said. A cultural village, led by Khoekhoegowab linguist Valerie Isaacs, will showcase traditional teachings, including the Namastap dance and the history of early Nama housing structures.

The programme opens on Thursday (28 May) with a gospel event and cultural village activities. “Namas are Christians, and we will be starting our cultural village with a fire and prayer,” Stoffel said. The official opening will take place on Friday (29 May), beginning with a parade from Tseiblaagte to Westdene Stadium. Participants are encouraged to wear traditional attire, accompanied by the National Youth Service band and horse riders.

Historic reflections - As part of the festival, the exhibition Traces of Violence by Marcelo Brodsky will be hosted at the MOTH Hall in collaboration with the Nama Traditional Leaders Association and the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights.

The exhibition explores the 1904–1908 genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama people by the German Empire, combining visual art and forensic research, including reconstructions of concentration camps in Lüderitz, Windhoek and Swakopmund.

Stoffel said education and historical reflection remain central to the festival’s mission. Festivalgoers will also be introduced to the story of the Topnaar people, known as the “Sea People”, and their cultural connection to the Namib Desert and Atlantic Ocean through the documentary Echoes of the Sea, Unbroken by Time.

The festival concludes on Sunday with a church service, in keeping with tradition. “This is our pride, our culture. We must stand together for it, unify for a greater purpose, and leave a legacy for our children,” Stoffel said.