Mariental: Governor of the Hardap Region, Riaan McNab, has highlighted the role of the arts sector as a powerful tool for economic growth, job creation, economic expansion, and the eradication of poverty. Speaking on Saturday at the World Music Day event that took place at the Mariental Showgrounds for the first time, McNab urged all local artists, musicians, and creatives, especially from the Hardap Region, to take full advantage of opportunities presented to them, to showcase their talent.

According to Namibia Press Agency, McNab emphasized that their craft can help them become self-sustaining entrepreneurs and create employment for themselves and others. "Here in Hardap, we are blessed with a wealth of creative talent, young artists, established musicians, and those just beginning their journey. The creative arts and music hold immense importance beyond entertainment. They are powerful tools for education, social change, and economic development. In today's world, the arts can open doors to new opportunities, enabling you to contribute meaningfully to the growth of our region," McNab stated.

McNab also extended his appreciation to the Peacestring Network and the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC), and all implementing partners such as the Mariental Municipality, who worked together to make the event possible. He further stated that government, community leaders, and private stakeholders must join hands in nurturing and empowering artists and musicians.

In an interview with Nampa, the president of the Peacestring Network, Veronique Kuchekana-Chirau, stated that the organization decided to host this event in Hardap as a strategic cultural milestone for the south. "This year's celebration in Mariental shines as a national spotlight on the Hardap Region, to showcase its cultural assets and position it as a new focal point for creative development in Namibia and unlock the potential of creative regions," Kuchekana-Chirau stated.

She said the Office of the Hardap Governor committed N.dollars 10,000 towards stage, lighting, and related technical facilitation, contributing directly to the production and execution of these programs, and the Mariental Municipality availed the showgrounds for free. Thirty-three musicians from Maltah¶he, Mariental Urban, and Rehoboth performed at the event.