Ramouna Shipunda

The Unam Cultural Festival, which took place last week after a two-year absence due to Covid-19 regulations, was hailed a huge success.  

Initiated by Unam’s first Dean of Students Bob Kandetu, the annual festival aims to celebrate Namibia’s varied cultures as well as those from the international community of the university. 

About 5 000 people visited the four-day event at the main and Khomasdal campuses, where they were treated to live music, sports activities and a variety of exhibitions, ranging from traditional food and beverages as well as seven cultural villages. 

Festivities included a gospel night, as well as the crowning of Mr and Miss Unam.

Exhibitor Talah Dacosta offered affordable Oshiwambo traditional food, where he provided a carpet for his customers to sit and embrace their culture through commensality.

He then suggested that the organising committee split up the performances next time, considering that all “big” artists performed in one night.

“People come to events mostly to see their favourite artists and having them all perform in one night was a poor business move,” said the young entrepreneur.

Another exhibitor Mewiliko Ndeshipanda Hamalwa, who displayed traditional food and beverages under the banner ‘Fransina’s Cultural Beverages’, proudly told Youth Corner that she did not have any competition, as her stall was the only one supplying traditional drinks.  

She was surprised her stall was so popular, saying she did not think traditionally-brewed drinks would attract so many customers, as most of the youth are not really exposed to traditional drinks. 

“Also, people tend to be sceptical about something they have little to no knowledge about,” added Hamalwa.  

The festival took place under the theme ‘Embracing 30 years of cultural diversity’. 

Unam spokesperson John Haufiku said they plan a bigger event next year.

“The directorate for student support plans to have a bigger event next year, as people become more comfortable with being outdoors and connecting with each other,” he told Youth Corner.

- ramounashipunda@gmail.com