Mafwe Chief Advocates Unity, Condemns Divisive Rhetoric at Lusata Festival

Chinchimani — Mafwe Chief George Mamili VII has urged his people and communities across the Zambezi region to embrace unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, cautioning against words and actions that could create division.

Speaking to his subjects and numerous guests at the annual Lusata Cultural Festival held at the Mafwe royal establishment in Chinchimani on Saturday, Mamili emphasized that the Mafwe people’s strength derives from “togetherness and unshakeable unity in diversity.”

He called on Mafwe community members to maintain unity regardless of differences in opinion, social status, political affiliation, or place of residence. “As Mafwe people, we have always understood and appreciated that our strength lies in our togetherness and in our unshakeable unity in diversity,” Mamili stated.

The traditional leader extended his unity appeal beyond the Mafwe community, asserting that peaceful coexistence with all Zambezi region communities is essential for development and social harmony.

“We share a common destiny as inhabitants of this beautiful region. Development, prosperity and social harmony can only be achieved when we work collectively and respect one another,” he said.

Mamili urged communities to promote tolerance, understanding, and cooperation, emphasizing that differences should not become sources of conflict.

His call coincided with the annual Lusata festival, which brought together Mafwe subjects, traditional leaders, government representatives, and guests from Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana to celebrate Mafwe culture and heritage.

Mamili described the festival as more than a cultural celebration, calling it an opportunity to preserve traditions, honor ancestors, promote cultural education, and transfer knowledge to younger generations.

“Lusata reminds us of who we are and where we come from,” he said.

He stated that cultural preservation should accompany development and modernity, adding that the festival also provides opportunities for social cohesion, tourism promotion, and economic activities in the Zambezi region. Mamili further called on leaders, parents, elders, and young people to take responsibility for maintaining harmony in their communities. He particularly cautioned against hateful speech, insults, rumors, and incitement, saying words could either unite communities or trigger conflict. “Words are powerful. They can either build bridges or create conflict. Let us choose words that promote understanding, respect, and reconciliation,” he said.

He urged his subjects to reject language promoting hostility, hatred, and division, instead embracing dialogue and mutual respect.

“We must reject all forms of speech that pose hostility, hatred, and division among our people. Instead, let us embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and unity,” Mamili said.

The chief said values of unity, respect, hard work, peace, cultural pride, and service to communities should remain central to Mafwe identity. He also called for peaceful cooperation between traditional authorities, government, civil society, and other stakeholders in building a prosperous Zambezi region.

Mamili expressed appreciation to the Namibian Government for development projects in the Mafwe area and wider region, including educational and health infrastructure.

He highlighted hostel construction at Masubotwani and Risero secondary schools, saying the facilities would help learners traveling long distances to access education.

He also welcomed construction of Daneka and Nyanki health centres and mortuaries, saying the facilities would bring healthcare services closer to rural communities and reduce the burden of traveling long distances for medical care.

On agriculture, Mamili called for stronger support for farmers through agricultural extension services, farming inputs, irrigation, smart farming methods, and training.

He said empowering communities to produce sufficient food would reduce dependence on government assistance while strengthening household resilience and economic independence. The chief also called for increased border patrols by the Namibian Defence Force along borders with Zambia and Botswana, citing concerns over stock theft and cross-border criminal activities affecting rural communities. Mamili thanked guests from neighboring countries and development partners who attended the festival, saying cultural exchanges between communities across borders strengthen historical and familial bonds.

“Let us continue to work together with government, with traditional leaders, civil society, and all stakeholders in building a prosperous, peaceful, and united Zambezi region and Namibia at large,” he said.

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