The 10th Oshakati Totem Expo was officially opened today by the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Mrs Lucia Iipumbu.
Mrs Iipumbu, who delivered the keynote address for the one week event that started on 30 May and ends on 7 June, said that every town in Namibia must come up with its own annual expo where the town displays what it can offer.
“This expo is not limited to cultures of this region but, as we have witnessed representatives from Zambezi and Omaheke, this is a national event.”
Iipumbu, who is a native of Oshakati, said that her dream is for the three sister towns of Oshakati, Ongwediva and Ondangwa to continue supporting each other and stand for each other in their quest for economic excellence.
The event was graced by the King of Ongandjera Tate Johannes Mupiya, and Tate Malakia Shoombe the acting Chief of Uukolonkadhi, while other northern traditional authorities sent representatives on behalf of their leaders.
The Mafwe Traditional Authority was for the first time represented at the totem expo by a cultural group led by the authority’s public relations officer, Induna Justus Mbanga, while the Black Melody Cultural Group from Omaheke represented the Batswana Ba Namibia Traditional Authority.
Minister Iipumbu thanked the youth for coming out in big numbers to witness the official opening of the totem expo, whose theme is ‘strengthening ties through culture’.
“Our towns must explore opportunities to support women and youth. It’s a special moment for me to see young people participating in this expo, as I was told that there is more youth exhibitors at the expo as opposed to previous years.
“This will help the youth to develop a sense of belonging. If you don’t understand where you come from it becomes difficult for you to survive in an environment that is foreign.”
Mayor of Oshakati Mr Leonard Hango in his closing remarks thanked everyone, including Mr Henock Nantanga who is the brainchild of the expo, as well as the main sponsors of the expo, including the Rani Group and Standard Bank.
In the photo: Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Mrs Lucia Iipumbu opened the totem expo.
