RUNDU – The Ngangela Chokwe Cultural Group has won Ka the Kavango East Cultural Festival running away with the first prize of N $ 5 000 while the second prize of N $ 3 500 was won by the Ukumwe Traditional Dancing Group and the third prize of N $ 1 500 was won by Kanini, another upcoming traditional group from Nkurenkuru.
The Rundu Arts and Cultural Festival has been initiated by Edward Mukoya who co – founded the Rundu based artistic organization called Art Foundation of Kavango and Artist Association, AFOKAA in August last year. He established this organisation with the help of some donor agencies and other willing stakeholders in the Kavango East region. He explains that the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture also played a big role in the establishment of his organisation through material and logistical support. “I should really thank our Namibian stakeholders for their overwhelming support. We have managed to successfully launch our arts and cultural festival through their support, especially the grants we received from the National Arts Council but however, we are also calling upon the support from the private sector as well since we are young and at our initial stage,” explains Mukoya
The mini-launch was held at Rundu Open market, while the main event was held ay Maria Mwengere Cultural Centre. Other artistic events were singing, storytelling, poetry, theatrical plays and a traditional fashion show and beauty pageant. Traditional food and beverages were also on sale as part of the festival.
The launch was held under the theme, Our culture, Our Pride and in memory of late Governor of the Kavango Region, Maurus Nekaro. “We are not only aimed at celebrating the creative potential and the rich diverse cultural heritage of the Kavango people but it’s also an opportunity for the local artists, crafters, designers, musicians and others to showcase their talents,” explains Mukoya.
The event was also attended by notable guests such as regional councilors and Dr Kletus Likuwa, a Researcher and Historian at the University of Namibia (Unam)’s Multi-Disciplinary Research Centre.
By Clemence Tashaya