Zambezi Regional Governor Lawrence Sampofu has commended the tribes in the Zambezi Region for slowly but surely refraining from social ills of tribalism.

Sampofu noted that tribalism is a disease that will disarm unity in the region. He was, however, quick to reprimand those who have been trying to cut the region off from Namibia.

Speaking at the Lusata cultural festival of the Mafwe Traditional Authority on Sunday, the governor retaliated that Zambezi is and will always be part and parcel of Namibia.

‘You want to cut Zambezi and take it where? We don’t want to see 02 August 1999 again,’ said the governor, referring to a secession attempt. He added that the region is known as the food basket, and hence its inhabitants should till the land and feed not only the region but the entire country.

‘This region is known as the food basket – this land carries millions of dollars, no one should go hungry in this region,’ said Sampofu.

Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Iipumbu Shiimi at the event called f
or more agricultural activities in the Zambezi Region to feed the nation.

Shiimi mentioned potential in tourism and cultural activities as some of the key elements which can contribute to the development of the region. He added that Zambezi has plenty of wildlife which the community should benefit from in their conservancies.

He further called on the community to work together with both the government and traditional authorities and develop their region.

In a message read on his behalf, Mafwe Traditional Authority Chief George Simasiku Mamili commended Government on capital projects in the region, calling for more agricultural projects and to extend existing markets to drive economic activities.

He further commended the government for the 24-hour border operations but called on both the Namibian and Zambian police to work together to combat stock theft.

The Lusata festival of the Mafwe celebrates the cultural heritages and economic achievements every year which Government has thus far contributed to the
betterment of its people. Hundreds of people from different walks of life gather every first Sunday of the month of October to celebrate Lusata Day.

Source: Namibia Press Agency