Katutura-focused expo kicks off tomorrow

WINDHOEKSTAFF REPORTER The third annual Katutura Central Expo kicks off in Windhoek tomorrow at the Katutura Multipurpose Youth Stadium. Initiated by the Katutura Central Constituency, the expo was first held in 2011. Since then, organisers say they have been impressed with the public support for the event, which pays tribute to Katutura's history and background since the constituency was created back in 1961. A four-day event, the expo is to go on until Sunday, and will comprise a trade component by small and medium enterprises, an agricultural show, faith-based activities and traditional and cultural performances by groups from around the area. “Emphasis on the development of the SME sector in Katutura has been quasi non-existent and it was this legacy that necessitated this initiative of staging an annual expo targeting SMEs in Katutura in particular. This commercial exposition will mainly focus on those formal and informal SMEs within the boundaries of Katutura,” said Jariyo Katjimune, one of the organisers of the 2013 expo. She stressed the importance of having not only farmers and SMEs participate, but also churches, which she said play a fundamental role in disseminating information to members and acting as a “restraining mechanism” against many of the societal ills that inhibit its target community. “One aspect that defines this event is culture. The slogan for this year is 'Unity in Diversity'. Katutura is known for its various ethnic groups with their various cultures,” she said. The constituency, she says, has a population of over 21 000 people, and while much economic activity is to be found within, most Katutura residents commute daily to the City and industrial areas to work. “Retail and small and medium enterprises drive the economy of Katutura Central. However, a lot still needs to be done, hence the need for hosting this event,” she said.