Placido Hilukilwa
THE founding President, Sam Nujoma, has expressed that the values of religion and African cultural values are not mutually exclusive. According to him, the two can coexist, finding common ground through mutual understanding. Nujoma made these remarks during the official opening ceremony of the Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival, of which he is the patron. He said that the Namibian constitution grants citizens the right to observe, practice, and exercise their religions and cultures.
The Olufuko festival is an ancient tradition that experienced a decline with the arrival of Christianity but was revived a decade ago. It still faces strong resistance from churches, particularly the largest Christian denomination in the country, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN).
Nujoma clarified that hosting Olufuko does not encourage child marriages, as some critics suggest. He emphasized that the initiation is a rite of passage for girls transitioning from childhood to adulthood. He called for people to liberate themselves from mental slavery and the remnants of the colonial era. Nujoma urged the participating girls, numbering 33, to continue their education even after the Olufuko rituals. He emphasized that the rites aim to instil responsibility and awareness of cultural norms and values among the girls.
PICTURED: Founding President Sam Nujoma arrives at the Olufuko Cultural Festival accompanied by Chief Herman Iipumbu of Uukwambi and Chief Oswin Mukulu of Ombalantu. 
PICTURED: Traditional authorities participate in a procession during the official opening ceremony. 
PICTURED: From left to right: Mayor of Outapi Selma Nelago Asino, Minister Erastus Uutoni, and Omusati Regional Governor Erginus Endjala await the arrival of founding President Sam Nujoma. Photos: Placido Hilukilwa. 
Photos: Placido Hilukilwa. 
Photos: Placido Hilukilwa.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni described Nujoma as a torchbearer in preserving and promoting African culture. He encouraged the organizers of Olufuko not to be discouraged by detractors.
The Olufuko festival serves as a platform for elder women to educate young girls about their culture, teaching them proper behaviour, self-respect, and self-care. It also aims to discourage teenage pregnancy, as girls who became pregnant before undergoing the Olufuko rituals were stigmatized.
Chief Oswin Mukulu of the Ombalantu Traditional Authority, under whose jurisdiction Olufuko takes place, expressed gratitude to the parents of Aafuko (the girls undergoing initiation) for allowing their daughters to participate in the rites. Ombalantu is one of the few traditional authorities among the Aawambo people who have continued the initiation rites, despite the majority abandoning it due to their conversion to Christianity, which considers Olufuko a sinful practice.
