KEETMANSHOOP: Chairperson of the Nama Cultural Festival organising committee, Dirk Eigub, emphasized the festival's role as a vibrant reminder of the Nama people's rich cultural heritage, with a strong focus on uniting the Nama community worldwide to preserve their history.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Eigub made these remarks during the official opening of the sixth annual Nama Cultural Festival in Keetmanshoop on Friday. The festival, which began on Wednesday, is being held under the theme 'Namakhoeda ge - /Gui!nSxasib- ts® ai!gs /omkhSis !oa', translating to 'Nama people striving towards progress, growth and sustainability'.

Eigub highlighted the festival's vision of fostering a unified community where individuals feel valued and differences are celebrated. He stressed the importance of mutual support, creating an environment conducive to spiritual and emotional growth, and reinforcing the interconnectedness of the Nama people's journeys.

He further encouraged the Nama community to view their unity as a living, breathing entity that demands nurturing and commitment from all members. "We are very much aware of the forces that are at play to keep us divided, but we will remain steadfast in our pursuit, for we know the fruits the next generation will enjoy from the '|GUI!naxasib' we are striving for," Eigub stated.

Keetmanshoop Mayor, Annalize Knaus, also spoke at the event, describing the festival as more than just a celebration. She emphasized its role as a platform for passing down history through the voices of elders, the rhythm of dancers, and the craft of artists. Knaus remarked, "Cultural festivals and traditional attire alone will not eliminate poverty; true restoration of dignity can only be achieved by reclaiming what was lost, our land, our economic power, our rightful place."

The festival is scheduled to conclude on Sunday.