# Kangongo

Kangongo (1.093 m above sea level) is a settlement on the Eastern banks of the Okavango River in the Kavango East Region, Namibia, 156 km east of Rundu along the Trans-Caprivi Highway. Kangongo has a population of about 5000 inhabitants.

## History

The easternmost kingdom of the five Kavango domains, Hambukushu, is deeply entwined with the rich history of Kangongo. Though there are plenty of prospects in labor, forestry, and agriculture, Kangongo has seen little investment since Namibia won independence in 1990, despite its historical significance. The hamlets that encircle the main village each provide something unique to the rich cultural fabric of Kangongo. Among them are the following: Ndarata in the center; Shakashondo to the west; Teya in the South Center; Sharuhenga in the Far South; Shadithiki to the northeast; Tjwatama and Shandhimbo to the southeast; and Sharukuya to the northwest. Roman Catholic missionaries created the groundwork for the village's educational system when they founded the first primary school, which is housed in a historic structure that is still in use today. Furthermore, Kangongo was an important hub for contract laborers heading to South African mines; these laborers were hired from different villages and left Kangongo to travel through Botswana to South Africa.

## Economy

Compared to many other Villages in Namibia, Kangongo is still underdeveloped. Like many Villages in Northern Namibia, Kangongo lacks infrastructure and basic services. The economy of Kangongo is characterized by subsistence farmers, with very little general services i.e. school, a small clinic and three shops. The village boasts a stones Crusher as a primary source of employment opportunities in the village. The crusher is currently owned by CrushCo Namibia (Pty) Ltd. Kangongo also has a fish farm run by a cooperative comprises members drawn from the Kangongo community. At present the fish farm needs re-investment in terms of infrastructure and capital for it to operate optimally.

## Schools

* Kangongo Secondary School
Kangongo Secondary School plays a pivotal role in the education of the community, offering classes from Grade 0 to Grade 11. Its reach extends beyond Kangongo itself to cater to the communities in surrounding villages. Governed by a board overseeing governance matters, the school has evolved from its missionary roots to become a well-established secondary institution. Its historical significance is reflected in the learners it has produced, who actively contribute to various socio-economic aspects and the overall development of Namibia, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the global community.

## Health: Hospitals/ Clinics

* Kangongo Clinic

## Sports and Recreation

The sporting spirit of Kangongo is embodied by the village's main sports club, Kango. Kango has both a football and a netball side.
* Academies and Feeder Clubs within Kangongo
Commonly known as "sub-teams within the village," Kangongo boasts several academies and feeder clubs, each with football and netball sides, enriching the sports culture within the community.
The Kangongo Academies and Sub-Teams are:
* New Action SC (Tjwatama, Kangongo)
* Juventus SC (Ndarata, Kangongo)
* Kango Chiefs SC (Shakashondo, Kangongo)
* Makore Cosmos SC (Teya, Kangongo)
* Blue Waters SC (Rukuro, Kangongo)
* Kango Legends SC (Legends, Kangongo)
* Kakiha Football Academy (Kakiha, Mbapuka, Kangongo)
* Kaminamina United (Sharukuya, Kangongo)

## Twin Villages – Sister Towns

Kangongo is twinned with:
* Divundu, Namibia
* Nieuwegein, Netherlands
* Gudhjem, Denmark