Keetmans gears for karakul festival

KEETMANSHOOP – The Namibian karakul industry will celebrate its centenary in style next month, with the southern town of Keetmanshoop, situated in the heartland of karakul farming, acting as host.

The first karakul sheep – 10 ewes and two rams – were shipped into the country in 1907 from Germany to an industry which is viewed by the current Government as an economically viable industry producing strategic products. The municipality of Keetmanshoop will, in association with the Karakul Board of Namibia, host a series of events in September as part of the centenary celebrations.According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the municipality, Jerry Shangadhi, the focus of these events would be to inform the public about the karakul industry and to pay tribute to all who have made a contribution to the industry.There will be school competitions held in conjunction with the Education Ministry, a centenary parade, the unveiling of a karakul statue and a street festival.The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Nickey Iyambo, will officiate at the event.As part of the centenary celebrations, the Karakul Board recently offered an opportunity to about 100 karakul farmers to attend the Copenhagen pelt auction in Denmark, where Namibian karakul pelts fetched excellent prices.NampaThe municipality of Keetmanshoop will, in association with the Karakul Board of Namibia, host a series of events in September as part of the centenary celebrations.According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the municipality, Jerry Shangadhi, the focus of these events would be to inform the public about the karakul industry and to pay tribute to all who have made a contribution to the industry.There will be school competitions held in conjunction with the Education Ministry, a centenary parade, the unveiling of a karakul statue and a street festival.The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Nickey Iyambo, will officiate at the event.As part of the centenary celebrations, the Karakul Board recently offered an opportunity to about 100 karakul farmers to attend the Copenhagen pelt auction in Denmark, where Namibian karakul pelts fetched excellent prices.Nampa