Etosha from another perspective

SOME people are stealing and illegally copying or recording the artworks of others who spent time working on them, President Hifikepunye Pohamba says.

“These practices do not only constitute a crime, but cannot be allowed to continue,” Pohamba said in a speech read on his behalf by Environment and Tourism Minister Willem Konjore at the opening of an art exhibition on Etosha National Park on Tuesday evening. The exhibition is part of the Etosha Centenary celebrations, which started on September 28.On display are books, paintings, drawing, films, documentary, poetry and songs by various artists, inspired by their memories and impressions of Etosha.Pohamba said the illegal reproduction of artworks in whatever form is a breach of the law on intellectual property rights.”Equally important is the involvement of the private sector in the promotion of art,” said Pohamba, adding that most artists are either trapped in poverty or substance abuse.Many artists, he said, have contributed to the development of art that is admired internationally and yet they have continued to live in poverty.”Many of you will remember the tragedy of the film, ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’.This is one example of exploitation of man by man.It is most unfortunate that the actor died in poverty while others got rich,” said Pohamba.He said he believed the exhibition would help the public to appreciate Etosha from another perspective.Pohamba said such expressions are crucial to understand and appreciate the impact the park has on the lives of many people.”Thus, the park is not only a great catalyst for economic development, but it also provides therapy for those that are emotionally drained,” he added.Etosha was proclaimed as national park in 1907 and it is Namibia’s flagship park, attracting thousands of tourists to the country.The centenary celebrations will run until March next year.The exhibition is part of the Etosha Centenary celebrations, which started on September 28.On display are books, paintings, drawing, films, documentary, poetry and songs by various artists, inspired by their memories and impressions of Etosha.Pohamba said the illegal reproduction of artworks in whatever form is a breach of the law on intellectual property rights.”Equally important is the involvement of the private sector in the promotion of art,” said Pohamba, adding that most artists are either trapped in poverty or substance abuse.Many artists, he said, have contributed to the development of art that is admired internationally and yet they have continued to live in poverty.”Many of you will remember the tragedy of the film, ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’.This is one example of exploitation of man by man.It is most unfortunate that the actor died in poverty while others got rich,” said Pohamba.He said he believed the exhibition would help the public to appreciate Etosha from another perspective.Pohamba said such expressions are crucial to understand and appreciate the impact the park has on the lives of many people.”Thus, the park is not only a great catalyst for economic development, but it also provides therapy for those that are emotionally drained,” he added.Etosha was proclaimed as national park in 1907 and it is Namibia’s flagship park, attracting thousands of tourists to the country.The centenary celebrations will run until March next year.