By Rochelle Neidel
GROOTFONTEIN– Whilst we try to preserve our natural resources and protect our national heritage, many cultural groups have jumped to the opportunity to reap economic benefits from their respective cultural cuisines and clothing.
The Nama are famous for their patched Nama dresses, and patched overalls for men, a style that is derived from colonial hardships when the clothing they used to wear, especially during the war, when they would patch up wore and torn clothes to make it look neater. Because of the harsh weather conditions at times they needed strong shoes to weather bad climatic situations. Hence their shoes were made out of animal skin. A group of Nama women under the name of Klein Karas Co-operative started a business of colourful and unique designs of Nama dresses. Group’s Spokesperson, Sarah Mungunda, says they are humbled by the support Namibian people, as well as tourists, have shown their business, in particular the business community that has aided them financially to purchase materials and working tools. “We have been seeing since we were young girls and because of the support we received from our donors we are able to make money to feed our families.” This group showcased their best work at the 19th annual national cultural festival here last week.