Organisers of the Otjimukandi Fair, an annual wedding fair showcasing the process of OvaHerero traditional weddings, are facing serious allegations of mismanagement and failure to fulfil their responsibilities.
The fair portrays how weddings take place and what should and should not be done during the entire ceremony. It also allows exhibitors to showcase their expertise, such as tailors and decorators. To create an entertainment platform, this fair has also incorporated artists to perform in the evenings.
Established on 20 May 2021, the fair has been lauded as a positive initiative. However, following the 4-6 May 2023 fair held in Okakarara, Otjozondjupa region revelations have surfaced that tarnish its reputation.
Several models who participated in the fair from 2021 to 2023, have come forward, alleging that they have not received payment for their services. It has been claimed that only those who have raised their voices and called out the organisers have been compensated. This selective treatment raises concerns about the fair’s financial practices and the misuse of funds from sponsors.
Furthermore, artists who performed at the Otjimukandi Fair have also voiced their dissatisfaction, revealing that they have not been paid for their contributions. The failure to compensate these individuals not only violates their agreements but also reflects a lack of professionalism on the part of the organisers. Even security personnel payments have not been settled.
One of the models, Queeny Tuarirovandu Kasirua, highlighted an additional issue with the fair, saying that according to the models’ agreement, food and transportation were supposed to be covered by the fair.
Kasirua claimed that no food was provided throughout the weekend, and they were forced to hike back to Windhoek without any support.
“The agreement we had was we do not spend on anything apart from our engagement photoshoot. We really spent on a lot of things that were not communicated to us. We spent on food, transportation and traditional garments; these costs have led to debts,” she told VIBEZ!
Organisers also stand accused of exploiting the platform to enrich themselves while disregarding their financial obligations to various parties involved. The fair seems to operate on accumulated debts each
year, further exacerbating the financial strain on those involved.
Additionally, the organisers have been accused of misleading the media and painting an inaccurate picture of the fair’s operations. Young entrepreneurs who intended to use the platform to grow their businesses claim to have been taken advantage of and treated poorly.
Social media has played a significant role in amplifying these complaints, with a weekend campaign in early June 2023 gaining substantial traction. Many individuals shared their experiences and echoed the sentiment that the fair’s organisers have been dismissive and disrespectful towards their clients.
One particular individual, Uatengapo Tjirondero, has been singled out as the spearheader of the rude management style. Stall owners have criticised her for her rude behaviour and lack of professionalism. They recall instances where Uatengapo was unresponsive to concerns raised about stalls and refunds, demonstrating a lack of respect for the clients.
Stall owners have also cited instances where the fair’s agreements were not honoured. Electricity, initially promised as part of the stall rental, was suddenly excluded at the last minute, leaving stall owners to bear the additional expense of renting a generator. The lack of accountability and proper communication from the organisers has left a sour taste in the mouths of many stall owners and has led to a lack of trust.
“We call upon the fair’s ambassador for 2023, Hon. Utaara Mootu, to publicly acknowledge and address these repeated fraudulent and misleading activities,” said Kasirua.
Approached for comment, Tjirondero said, as promised, models were given a deposit before going to Okakarara, but they could not settle the outstanding amount because the fair was a flop.
“We promised that we will give them the remaining amount at the end of the event, of which the event was a huge failure and we made a huge loss. We first asked for the end of May, of which we did not manage to settle and then we asked them to give us the end of June, which we are trying by all means to get the funds to pay them,” she said.
Tjirondero said everyone was given food, adding breakfast was given, and they even took raw meat to the men so they could cook with the people they were with. She noted that the kitchen was understaffed and they were running late to deliver, but they did manage to provide them lunch.
“In terms of transport, we transported them in a kombi to Okakarara. Unfortunately, the kombi could not stay and was to come back on Sunday to pick up the entire team, and only came around 18h00/19h00, and by then the models could not wait and they catered for their own transport,” she said.