Katima Mulilo — Health and Social Services Minister, Rechard Kamwi, called on youth in the Caprivi Region to join other Namibians to expand their cultural horizons by setting up clubs, choirs and drama groups.

Kamwi was speaking at an annual regional cultural festival that was organised by the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture at Katima Mulilo.

He urged the youth to exploit the advantages of being closer to Zambia and Botswana to seek creative platforms for cultural exchanges. This he said will help them cherish the means to establish their cultural music on a broader map.

He cited the popular Otjiherero cultural music locally known as "Oviritje" as a best example of how other Namibians strive to use their culture for developmental purposes.

"Stand up and begin to identify your potential and start working to fulfil your dreams," urged Kamwi, stating that many youth in the country such as Gaza, The Dogg, Stanley have become active in the production of local music.

Kamwi said efforts by the Government to establish institutions such as National Monuments Council, National Heritage Council, Namibia Film Commission, Namibian Book Development Council and Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music shows government commitment to uplift cultural diversity in the country and that it is an opportunity for all Namibians to exploit.

He urged them to shun xenophobia and tribalism because it has set many African states on the path to doom.

About 29 cultural groups participated in the festival and provided traditional dances.

The festival where all groups received N$300 as participating fee ended with several groups scooping medals. According to the cultural representative for the Caprivi Region, Rapahel Mbala, cultural groups such as Mbambazi Cultural Group, Ikumwe Sipelu Group, and Sangwali Cultural Group were selected to compete at national level.