Mashi Traditional Authority celebrates 27th anniversary
The 27th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Mashi Traditional Authority was celebrated this past weekend at Kongola in the Zambezi Region at the Tulikonge Cultural Festival.
Deputy tourism minister Heather Sibungo, speaking at the event, said the traditional authority has a rich history and is deeply intertwined with the identity and traditions of Namibia.
“For centuries, our ancestors have navigated challenges while preserving their customs, languages and ways of life, culture and tradition that we have to be very proud of.”
According to Sibungo, the re-establishment of the traditional authority in 1996 marked a pivotal moment towards self-governance and empowerment.
"This, coupled with the formation of communal conservancies, empowered the traditional authority to reclaim its rightful place as custodians of land, culture, and natural resources," she noted.
The occasion also highlighted the community's commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism development, community upliftment and harmony with nature, the deputy minister said.
“Despite challenges in dealing with certain anti-progressive individuals, the Mashi Traditional Authority has made significant strides in promoting sustainable practices that benefit both our communities and the environment, through a very consultative and collaborative process both locally and on the international stage.”
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Sibungo said the tourism ministry shares a vision with the traditional authority, which is to ensure that natural resources are shared equitably among all members of society, not just the immediate conservancy, while respecting traditional knowledge systems that have guided them for generations.
She also asked the community to consider opportunities to attract more visitors to boost the local economy.
Sibungo said it is essential to discuss pressing issues related to conservation efforts in their region.
“Our communities are on the front lines when it comes to environmental stewardship, therefore, it is crucial that we work together to develop strategies that align with both conservation goals and community needs.”
Deputy tourism minister Heather Sibungo, speaking at the event, said the traditional authority has a rich history and is deeply intertwined with the identity and traditions of Namibia.
“For centuries, our ancestors have navigated challenges while preserving their customs, languages and ways of life, culture and tradition that we have to be very proud of.”
According to Sibungo, the re-establishment of the traditional authority in 1996 marked a pivotal moment towards self-governance and empowerment.
"This, coupled with the formation of communal conservancies, empowered the traditional authority to reclaim its rightful place as custodians of land, culture, and natural resources," she noted.
The occasion also highlighted the community's commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism development, community upliftment and harmony with nature, the deputy minister said.
“Despite challenges in dealing with certain anti-progressive individuals, the Mashi Traditional Authority has made significant strides in promoting sustainable practices that benefit both our communities and the environment, through a very consultative and collaborative process both locally and on the international stage.”
Explore opportunities
Sibungo said the tourism ministry shares a vision with the traditional authority, which is to ensure that natural resources are shared equitably among all members of society, not just the immediate conservancy, while respecting traditional knowledge systems that have guided them for generations.
She also asked the community to consider opportunities to attract more visitors to boost the local economy.
Sibungo said it is essential to discuss pressing issues related to conservation efforts in their region.
“Our communities are on the front lines when it comes to environmental stewardship, therefore, it is crucial that we work together to develop strategies that align with both conservation goals and community needs.”
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