Polytech celebrates Namibian cultures

WINDHOEKSELMA IKELA The Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture, Jerry Ekandjo, says a nation without roots cannot cultivate a culture. A nation without pride has no self-esteem and a nation without a future has no direction. Ekandjo says culture gives a country a sense of pride and a steady platform on which to build the future. Ekandjo made these remarks at the official opening of the 18th Polytechnic Cultural Festival. The festival is celebrated under the theme: 'Sada !Gao !Gaob, Sada #Nisab, Sada !Goaxa //aeb' ( meaning 'Our roots, Our Pride, Our Future'). "As the Ministry of Youth, we are singularly proud of the valuable contribution you are making in building the nation through this cultural festival and thus would like to encourage you to continue on this path," he said. He said the weeklong festival not only serves to remind the nation who we are as Namibians, but also showcases what Namibians have to contribute to the global multicultural milieu they live in. He said Namibia has a rich cultural heritage and behind it there are equally rich scientific and technological underpinnings that have not been explored yet. "The indigenous knowledge systems of our country remain fertile ground for the new institution to engage on. A more daunting challenge for the new institution would be to help us utilise effectively the rich culture heritage for the economic benefit of the people." Polytechnic of Namibia Rector Tjama Tjivikua said the cultural festival provides students with a moment every year where they come together and celebrate their different cultural heritage and diversity. "The festival is an important platform to share experience and more importantly to learn from one another, to evolve out of our cultural shells, to cross mental barriers, overcome stigmas, make new friends and become better citizens", said Tjivikua. The week is marked by various cultural performances. At the event, First National Bank (FNB) Namibia donated N$60 000 for this year's festival.