Windhoek:Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare officially inaugurated the 2026 University of Namibia (UNAM) Annual Cultural Festival, emphasizing the significance of education and culture in Namibia's growth.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ngurare highlighted the festival's theme, 'Empowered by Education, United by Culture', as encapsulating the dual forces propelling the nation forward. He articulated that education equips the youth with essential knowledge and skills for innovation, while culture roots them in their identity and shared heritage.
Ngurare reflected on the insights of Namibia's Founding President, Sam Nujoma, who had stressed culture's crucial role in national development. He pointed out that Namibia's cultural and creative sectors are increasingly integral to the country's economic strategy, as recognized in the Fourth National Development Plan, which sees these industries as potential wealth generators and sources of employment.
The prime minister noted that the current government administration is furthering this agenda by focusing on cultural and creative industries. Initiatives include establishing the Namibia Cultural and Creative Industry Council and the forthcoming launch of the Namibian Creative Industries Awards.
Ngurare outlined several governmental measures to support the youth, such as fully subsidized tertiary education at public and private institutions, investments in the creative economy, plans to enhance sports' role in employment, and the N$500 million collateral-free National Youth Development Fund. He encouraged young Namibians to leverage modern technology and social media to promote cultural heritage, educate others, and create opportunities in sectors like film, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
He stressed that education and culture must evolve together, likening education without culture to 'a tree without roots'. Ngurare concluded that the festival offers students a chance to celebrate Namibia's diversity and exemplify how various languages, dances, and traditions can reinforce national identity.