What may be seen as an act of betrayal or immorality in other cultures is rather seen as a symbol of trust and respect in Namibia. In the remote communities of northern Namibia, among the semi-nomadic Himba people, lies a centuries-old practice known as Okujepisa Omukazendu literally translated as “offering the wife.”
The tradition allows a husband to offer his wife to a male guest as a gesture of friendship, honor, and hospitality. By “sharing” his wife, a man demonstrates his openness and the value he places on his guest’s presence. it is an expression of cultural pride, meant to forge relationships, grow trust and exhibit respect.
It may look shocking to outsiders. But to the Himba, it is a courtesy to be expected, a sign of profound friendship. Crucially, the guest is never an anonymous stranger, but someone the host holds in
However, the wife, in turn, often has the right to choose whether or not to accept the arrangement. In some versions of the practice, she may spend the night with the guest, or simply share space and conversation it does not always involve intimacy.
This act, they say, decreases sexual jealousy in the long run. In a culture that accepts and permits polygyny, as well as extramarital relationships, faithfulness assumes a character not strictly personal but, in many ways, communal in interpretation.
The practice also reflects the Himba’s flexible view of relationships polygamy is common, and social structures emphasize communal living over rigid Western ideals of monogamy.
Today, Okujepisa Omukazendu sparks controversy both within and outside Namibia. Many young Himba, influenced by modern education and Christianity, are questioning the practice, while elders argue it is a core part of cultural identity. Critics see it as outdated and harmful to women, while defenders frame it as consensual and voluntary.
The Namibian government has not outlawed the tradition, largely out of respect for cultural rights, but global attention has fueled ongoing debates about tradition versus modernity.
By: Idris Olayinka