Oshana Region celebrates its culture

THE Deputy Minister of Youth, National Youth Service, Culture and Sport, Pohamba Shifeta, opened the Oshana Cultural Festival at Oluno on Saturday.

In his speech, Shifeta said cultural events played a crucial role in the policy of national reconciliation, because they allowed Namibians to learn about each other’s cultures and thus fostered understanding and respect. He said his Ministry, through its Directorate of Heritage and Culture, was committed to creating “culture industries” to transform the artistic talents of Namibians into tangible gains.He said traditional music, dancing and handicrafts were products that attracted tourists and could earn rural people a livelihood.Pohamba said for Namibian cultures to survive, they should be promoted and practised in schools, as young people were vital in keeping culture alive.About 16 schools and 10 adult cultural groups participated in the annual festival in the Oshana Region.These cultural festivals are held in all 13 regions and the best performers are picked to perform at the National Cultural Festival, which is held at the end of each year.He said his Ministry, through its Directorate of Heritage and Culture, was committed to creating “culture industries” to transform the artistic talents of Namibians into tangible gains.He said traditional music, dancing and handicrafts were products that attracted tourists and could earn rural people a livelihood.Pohamba said for Namibian cultures to survive, they should be promoted and practised in schools, as young people were vital in keeping culture alive.About 16 schools and 10 adult cultural groups participated in the annual festival in the Oshana Region.These cultural festivals are held in all 13 regions and the best performers are picked to perform at the National Cultural Festival, which is held at the end of each year.