Patience Makwele
Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa has warned that Namibia must protect its cultural identity from outside influences, describing the preservation of indigenous heritage as a national imperative.
“In a world where external influences continuously seek to erode indigenous identities, the deliberate preservation of our culture and heritage is not optional. It is a national imperative,” Shaningwa said.
Shaningwa said cultural preservation should go hand in hand with creating economic opportunities for local communities, particularly through entrepreneurship and support for small businesses.
She was speaking at a fundraising gala in Okahao on Saturday, where organisers raised N$476 000 towards the fifth Ehao Cultural Expo and the inaugural Mayoral Cup, which is scheduled for 3 to 8 November.
“The Ehao Cultural Expo provides exactly such a platform, one where heritage and economic opportunity meet,” she said.
Established in 2019, the expo brings together cultural activities, business and community development.
The event also aims to promote Okahao as a destination for visitors and investment, while providing local businesses with opportunities to showcase their products and services.
This year’s programme will expand beyond cultural exhibitions and business activities to include the Mayoral Cup, with soccer, volleyball and netball competitions at the Ehao Expo Sports Complex.
The introduction of the sporting competition is intended to increase youth participation and make sport part of the wider community event.
Shaningwa urged businesses and other stakeholders to support local enterprises, saying entrepreneurship could contribute to job creation and economic activity.
She also called on young people to take part in business, culture and sport rather than remain on the sidelines of community development.
She said the expo offered a platform where cultural heritage could be preserved while creating opportunities for residents to benefit economically.
Okahao mayor Gandja Ayihe Ndeshipanda Iyambo said the Mayoral Cup was introduced to bring sport into the expo and create additional opportunities for young people.
“Sport is not mere entertainment. Sport brings people together, develops discipline, creates opportunity for young people and can contribute meaningfully to economic development,” Iyambo said.
He called on businesses, development partners, institutions and residents to support the events, saying cooperation was necessary to make the initiatives successful.
The mayor said the town wanted to create opportunities for young people and local businesses while ensuring that cultural activities contributed to the community’s development.
The expo’s organisers are bringing culture, business and sport together under the theme, “Building a prosperous Okahao through sport, culture and business opportunities.”
Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo said cultural events were about more than entertainment and fundraising, as they helped preserve shared history and identity while strengthening community ties.
He said the expo provided an opportunity to celebrate traditions, reinforce social bonds and promote values that unite Namibians.
Shaningwa also referred to the government’s development agenda, including the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), saying communities and institutions needed to work together to improve people’s lives.
She called for unity and peace, which she said were necessary for development.
“Where there is no peace, there is no development,” Shaningwa said.
