Mariental: Hardap Governor, Riaan McNab, on Saturday emphasized the importance of perseverance for artists and musicians, urging them to remain dedicated to their aspirations despite challenges. He highlighted the significant role of creative arts in education, social development, economic growth, and nation-building during the World Music Day celebrations in Mariental, themed 'Creative Competence Along the Trans-Kalahari Corridor'.According to Namibia Press Agency, McNab noted that World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, originated in France in 1982 and has evolved into a global movement promoting music as a universal language bridging cultures and communities. The Hardap Region, rich in creative talent, was encouraged by McNab to harness their abilities to preserve cultural heritage, narrate community stories, and inspire future generations. Addressing the gathering, he urged creatives not to let setbacks and disappointments hinder their ambitions, emphasizing that success often follows numerou s rehearsals, setbacks, and sacrifices.McNab also called for sustained investment in the creative sector, underscoring its potential to significantly contribute to employment and economic development. At the same event, Peace Strings Network President Veronique Kuchekana-Chirau highlighted the role of creative and cultural industries in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, tourism, and regional development. She disclosed that 138 creatives from the Hardap Region participated in a Creative Enterprise Development Workshop, showcasing the region's burgeoning creative economy.Kuchekana-Chirau officially launched the Kalahari International Festival of Arts (KIFA) Season 2026, presenting it as a platform to develop creative enterprises, enhance cultural collaboration, and prepare stakeholders for KIFA Week 2026, scheduled for 30 November to 05 December 2026. She urged stakeholders to collaborate in transforming creativity into economic opportunities and building prosperous communities along the Trans-Kalahari C orridor. The World Music Day celebrations were organized by Peace Strings Network in collaboration with the Franco-Namibia Cultural Centre (FNCC), the Hardap Governor's Office, and the Mariental Municipality.