Sostenus Wilherm
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has urged Namibians to support a fundraising initiative targeting N$100 000 for medical supplies and solar kits for health centres in Cuba, citing the country’s support for Namibia during the liberation struggle.
Speaking at the official opening of the Art for Cuba Exhibition in Windhoek on Monday, Witbooi said the initiative was an opportunity for Namibia to reciprocate Cuba’s longstanding solidarity and support.
“Today, as the people of Cuba face significant humanitarian and energy challenges, this exhibition offers Namibia an opportunity to reciprocate that friendship through practical action,” she said.
The exhibition, organised through BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie and the National Organising Committee, brings together Namibian artists whose artworks are intended to raise funds for humanitarian assistance to Cuba.
Witbooi encouraged the private sector, art collectors, development partners and members of the public to purchase artworks and contribute towards the fundraising target.
“I therefore encourage everyone present, as well as members of the private sector, art collectors and development partners, to support this worthy initiative by purchasing artworks and contributing generously,” she said.
“Let us work together to achieve this mark, and if possible, exceed this target. Every contribution will help turn the creativity and generosity of Namibian artists into tangible support for the Cuban People.”
She said the initiative went beyond fundraising, describing it as an expression of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the historical relationship between the two countries.
According to Witbooi, Namibia and Cuba share a longstanding relationship founded on solidarity, mutual respect and a common commitment to freedom, human dignity and the right of people to determine their own future.
She recalled Cuba’s support for Namibia during the liberation struggle, saying its contribution reflected a commitment to justice, equality and international solidarity.
“During Namibia’s liberation struggle, Cuba stood alongside our people in the quest for independence. This support was more than a diplomatic gesture; it reflected a commitment to justice, equality and international solidarity,” she said.
Witbooi said cooperation between the two countries continued after Namibia gained independence, particularly in education, healthcare and human resource development.
She noted that Cuban doctors served Namibian communities, teachers contributed to the country’s education system, and generations of young Namibians received education and training in Cuba.
“These contributions remain an important part of our national story and a lasting reminder of the value of international friendship and cooperation,” she said.
The Vice President said the exhibition provided an opportunity for Namibia to demonstrate that its historic friendship with Cuba remained meaningful, particularly as the Caribbean nation faced humanitarian and energy challenges.
She emphasised that solidarity should not be limited to the circumstances in which friendships between nations were established but should also be demonstrated through support during difficult times.
“Genuine solidarity must endure beyond the circumstances in which it was first established, finding expression in our willingness to stand together during difficult times,” Witbooi said.
She also commended the participating Namibian artists, organisers and other contributors for using their creativity to support humanitarian action.
According to her, art can serve as more than a form of expression, offering a platform for international cooperation, social responsibility and the promotion of human dignity.
“The Art for Cuba Exhibition represents the best of what our shared humanity can achieve when creativity is guided by compassion,” she said.
Witbooi said the initiative honoured the historical ties between Namibia and Cuba while providing practical assistance to the Cuban people.
Addressing Cuba, she reaffirmed Namibia’s appreciation for the country’s contribution to its development and its support during the liberation struggle.
“To our friends in Cuba, Namibia’s message is clear: we remember your support during our liberation struggle and in the years that followed; we appreciate the contributions you have made to our development, and we stand in solidarity with you during these challenging times,” she said.
She expressed hope that the exhibition would achieve its fundraising target, strengthen bilateral relations and encourage greater generosity among Namibians.
“May this exhibition inspire greater generosity, strengthen our historic bonds and remind us that true friendship is measured not only by the support we receive in times of need, but also by our willingness to extend that same support to others,” Witbooi said.
