Windhoek: Namibia must view culture not only as performance and tradition, but as a constitutional right and an engine for national identity and sustainable development. This was said by Acting Director of National Heritage and Cultural Programmes in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Marina Mubusisi, at the opening ceremony of the Namibia University of Science and Technology’s (NUST) Cultural Festival on Wednesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Mubusisi stressed that cultural rights, as guaranteed under the Namibian Constitution, must be exercised and protected to strengthen unity and identity. ‘This is not just an event. It is a living testimony of our commitment to diversity, creativity, and unity. Culture is not merely performance or dance; it is a protected right, a source of strength, and the heartbeat of our nation,’ she said.
Mubusisi highlighted that cultural heritage should also be seen as a contributor to economic growth and poverty alleviation. She called on institutions of higher learning and stakeholders to develop strategies and statistics that demonstrate how culture can drive sustainable development. ‘Festivals like this can even improve mental health, bringing communities together and creating spaces of healing, dialogue and pride,’ she noted.
NUST Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Colin Stanley, echoed her sentiments, adding that the festival not only celebrates cultural diversity but also connects directly to the university’s identity. ‘At NUST, we believe that culture is not just about performance; it is the soul of who we are. It reflects our diversity, values and the resilience of our collective journey,’ he said, linking the festival to the institution’s own 10-year anniversary as a university.
He further cautioned that while technology and social media have created platforms for cultural exchange, they also risk overshadowing local traditions. ‘Let this festival be a living classroom, reminding us that pride in our heritage is not nostalgic – it is revolutionary,’ Stanley said.
The NUST Cultural Festival ends on Friday.