Niël Terblanché
The Amalgamated Rotation Annual Festival (ARAF) has kicked off in Karibib, marking the start of the second edition of the joint trade expo created by the towns of Omaruru, Karibib, and Usakos.
ARAF was established in 2022 under the framework of the Omaruru, Karibib, and Usakos Local Authority Corporation (OKULAC) to promote collaboration, resource-sharing, and economic growth in the three towns.
This year’s edition, themed “Bigger, Better, Broader”, promises to exceed expectations with a wide range of activities aimed at fostering market expansion and economic integration within the region.
Valentinus Sindongo, the chairperson of OKULAC, announced that Usakos will host next year’s event.
Speaking at the launch, Sindongo stressed the importance of economic collaboration among local authorities, noting that such initiatives help to reduce trade barriers, improve access to goods and services, and increase consumer spending power.
He also said that ARAF plays a key role in creating employment opportunities, especially in resource-constrained areas, where local authorities often struggle to extend services and develop infrastructure.
“Local authorities play a pivotal role in promoting local economic development. Initiatives to attract investment are highly commendable as they enhance the capacities of local authorities to create employment and stimulate economic growth,” Sindongo said.
The festival not only serves as an important business opportunity but also provides a platform for local corporations, small and medium enterprises, and farmers to showcase their products and services directly to both residents and visitors.
According to Sindongo, this year’s edition is expected to generate significant revenue for participating entrepreneurs and foster broader economic growth in the region.
The local authorities decided to join forces to address shared challenges to better serve their communities.
Karibib’s mayor, Davey van Wyk explained the need for this partnership.
“What we have done especially after the COVID-19 times was very hard for the local authorities, the economy was down so we said how can we uplift the communities,” he said.
He said the collaboration between the local authorities is driven by the shared challenges.
“The community members we serve are the same people, we have got the same challenges, we have got the same lack of resources, our geographical position is the same, why should we compete because Karibib will try to have its own festival, Omaruru will have its own festival, Usakos will have its own but when we go and look for the sponsors we go to the same people and it was a challenge,” he said.
Beyond the festival, the town councils plan to jointly purchase machinery such as a tipper truck and a grader which the towns cannot afford individually.
Van Wyk explained that these machines will be rotated between the towns to maintain infrastructure such as the gravel roads.
Highlights of this year’s ARAF include a small miners’ information session, followed by a boxing bonanza and a music show featuring local artists on Friday evening.
On Saturday, the agricultural show will take center stage, with a comedy show and a music bash scheduled for later in the day.
The festival will conclude with a gospel show on Sunday, providing a fitting end to the festivities
