Oshakati
In a bid to enhance self-sufficiency and transfer skills, Namibia Lodge 2000 and Safaris will for the second time host the Ntunda Tilapia Festival. The event, to be presented by the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Chief Samuel Ankama, and owner of Uis Aquaculture Johan van der Westhuizen will take place from June 3 to June 5 at Namibia Lodge 2000.
Speaking to New Era from his lodge on Thursday afternoon, Ankama said the tilapia festival is planned as a community activity aimed at responding to people’s needs, alleviating poverty and creating jobs.
In addition, the festival also targets to create an opportunity for the local community to showcase and sell their crafted produce and in return generate funds for themselves to improve their livelihoods. Ankama said the event will also have lectures where farmers will be equipped on how to farm fish and on how to start up their own aquaculture projects. “The aim is to celebrate Africa Day incorporated with activities that will benefit the community,” said Ankama.
Ankama said preparations for the event are in full swing and the event is envisaged to attract a bigger crowd compared to last year.
Last year, the event attracted between 300 and 500 visitors.
According to Ankama, this year the event will once again see a cooking competition in which 15 groups are expected to participate.
The aim of the cooking competition is to teach people how to cook fish in order to have a nation that can cook fish and subsequently enjoy fish dishes. “Through this competition we also discourage the community from using spices and encourage them to use organic products from the local market,” said Ankama. Ankama said that business personalities interested in selling fish at the festival are also welcome.
The event will be preceded by a gala dinner this weekend.