Allexer Namundjebo
The participation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the official opening of the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival has sparked debate over whether the Head of State should be involved in community and fundraising events, with some questioning whether such engagements align with the priorities and stature of the presidency.
NUDO member of parliament Vetahoruhe Kandorozu on Thursday said senior state officials, including the President, Prime Minister and Vice President, should avoid being drawn into officiating events that could instead be handled by ministers, deputy ministers or regional leaders.
“We must avoid inviting and turning our President, Prime Minister or Vice President into officiating these fundraising and unnecessary events,” he said.
Kandorozu warned that the continued practice of inviting the country’s highest office bearers to such occasions could diminish the significance of those positions.
“If that continues, we might end up inviting them to officiate our weddings,” he said.
He argued that the presidency represents the authority of the state and should be reserved for engagements of national importance.
“A President to be invited to events such as Kasi Vibe demoralises and undermines the authority of the state. She is a state’s President and activities such as this, as much as they have their own significance, are very important to be presided over by ministers, or deputy ministers and governors,” he said.
He added that the President should not be expected to take over responsibilities that can be performed by subordinate government officials.
However, he acknowledged the importance of the festival and its contribution to society.
“We just need to understand the value of the President. She just returned from China now and she needs to brief us on what was discovered there. These are the things we need to hear from the President and not these things of officiating events,” he said.
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani said the President’s main focus should be on addressing national challenges, particularly youth unemployment, which he described as having reached crisis levels.
“That must be her main preoccupation in my view,” Venaani told the Windhoek Observer on Thursday.
He added that if Nandi-Ndaitwah wanted to maintain a close connection with citizens, attending such events could be justified.
“If she wants to be approachable and cool, she can open such events, no problem in my view,” he said.
Political analyst Sackaria Johannes offered a different perspective, saying there was nothing inherently inappropriate about the President officiating the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival, particularly given the event’s focus on youth development, culture and the creative economy.
“From a political perspective, there is nothing inherently inappropriate about President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officiating the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival, particularly if the event was intended to promote youth development, culture, and the creative economy,” Johannes said.
However, he noted that the presidency carries significant symbolic weight, meaning every public appearance is viewed through the lens of national priorities and public perception.
“While supporters may view her attendance as a demonstration of accessibility and support for young people, critics may argue that the office should be more closely associated with addressing pressing national challenges,” he said.
Johannes added that the debate is ultimately not about whether the President has the authority to attend such events, but whether the engagement reflects public expectations of presidential leadership and priorities.
The debate comes as the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival continues to grow into one of Namibia’s largest community-driven events, combining youth entrepreneurship, local culture and live entertainment.
The festival provides a platform for emerging entrepreneurs, creative talent, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), fashion brands and local food vendors to showcase their work.
At the official opening, Nandi-Ndaitwah said that she appreciated the MTC KasiVibe Festival for the invitation extended to her to be part of “the well thought initiative”.
“I commend the founders of MTC KasiVibe Festival, Willibard and Salmi Shigwedha, the young Namibian couple, who created a platform that empowers young” she said.
She added that she applauded the organizers for providing opportunities to young Namibians to showcase their entrepreneurial ventures, creative talents, products and services.
“My great admiration goes to the partners, and sponsors of this annual event that brings together entrepreneurs, artists, innovators, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and families from across the country” she said.
She said it is highly gratifying to her as the Head of State to see how Namibians are embracing the NDP6 and becoming part of its implementation team.
“It is my strong position that if all of us including the youth who are the majority of our population believe in our developmental agenda as set out by our government, together we will be successful. Thereby bringing about a balanced prosperity to all of us” she added.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the progress of the festival is a testament to the determination of the youth and the innovative spirit that runs through our society.
“The festival’s success is a source of pride for Namibia, demonstrating the power of collective effort and the positive impact of investing in our creative and entrepreneurial sectors” she said.
The 2026 edition follows MTC’s announcement as the festival’s headline naming-rights partner through a N$3 million three-year sponsorship agreement aimed at supporting youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and cultural development.
Held at the Brakwater Recreational Centre (Paaltjies), approximately 15 kilometres north of Windhoek, the festival runs from 31 July to 2 August under the theme “Celebrating Our Diversity”.
Nandi-Ndaitwah officially launched the event on Thursday, 30 July, ahead of a weekend programme featuring entertainment, business networking and cultural activities.
The festival has introduced a phased ticketing system, with tickets available at different price points depending on the purchase period.
Organisers have also implemented a fully cashless system, requiring attendees to use the MTC Maris mobile wallet for purchases at the venue.
Free shuttle services have been arranged from various locations in Windhoek to improve accessibility for festivalgoers throughout the event.
