Paulina Ndalikokule

NKURENKURU – A traditional dance competition organised by the International University of Management’s Nkurenkuru campus to entertain and showcase talent ended in chaos last Wednesday.

The chaos erupted after an alleged bias during the judging and police had to be called in to restore order.

Students and community members allegedly became disgruntled after an Oshiwambo cultural group was declared the overall winner of the competition.

Kavango West police spokesperson, senior inspector Raimbert Muronga, confirmed the incident.

Students accused the judges of making an  unfair and preferential decision despite the fact that the panel only had one judge from the Aawambo culture. They believed the winner of the competition should have been a a traditional group representing Rukwangali culture.

Chaos further escalated when some students and community members attempted to assault judges, questioning how marks were allocated to favour the Aawambo team, which scored 207 points, beating the Rukwakali team, which scored 200 according to a tally score sheet from all four judges. 

“At the police station, judges were asked to explain the score sheets; however, students were still dissatisfied, so the police advised that the matter should be resolved at the campus by tomorrow at the at the latest,” the spokesperson said.

Acting director at the campus, Victoria Hakandume, told students that preserving their cultures does not mean disrespecting other people’s cultures, but ensuring they pass on what defines different people to the next generation.

She encouraged students to avoid division over cultural differences and live in harmony.

“Cultural festivals should be looked at as a platform for entertainment and an integration of appreciating cultural diversity and bringing people together in harmony. Through cultural interaction, we learn how to be better people in society and how to live together as brothers and sisters,” Hakandume said.

She said the event aims to appreciate and promote talents and skills among IUM students as well as provide opportunities and platforms for practicing different skills, talents, and ideas reflected through performances such as fashion shows, traditional dances, hospitality skills, pageantry, poetry, comedy, and music, among others.

“By tapping talent from our diverse cultures, we are playing a great role in enhancing national cohesion and integration, which is highly emphasised in our institution’s policy and that of the country too,” she said.

Meanwhile, student representative council’s chairperson, Leon Madonsa, said at the event that culture is not just a collection of traditions but rather a heartbeat of communities that shapes identities, influences values, and connects generations.

Madonsa said this year’s theme ‘Echoes of the past: and embracing our diverse cultures,’ invites people to honour their rich history while celebrating diverse cultures that make up humanity.

Medical doctor, Kleopas Henock, who owns Nkurenkuru Private Hospital and Nkurenkuru Palm Guest House, among other businesses, offered to sponsor N$1 000 for each of  10 students who will come up with the best business proposals.

He said the sponsorship will be in the form of a startup capital loan to fund promising small business ideas, and students will later benefit from the profit they’ll make.

“From the 10 students, we will pick the top-performing three students where an overall winner who will benefit some things from us will emerge,” he said.

Dr. Henock encouraged students to start small with whatever resources are available to become entrepreneurs and job providers instead of becoming job seekers in a crowded Namibian unemployment battlefield.

The festival officially kicked off last Wednesday and ended on Saturday.

*Paulina Ndalikokule is an information officer at MICT Kavango West.