Windhoek — The 14th annual cultural festival of the Polytechnic of Namibia was on Tuesday hailed as a classic example of cultural diversity in the Namibian society by the Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture, Reverend Willem Konjore.

Hundreds of students and invited guests attended the event on the main campus from early morning with a cultural performances programme of primarily traditional dances and music under the theme, 'Gather Around the Fire of Culture'.

"To psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists culture is a behavioural pattern that is learned by individuals in a society. This festival creates the opportunity for diverse cultures to come together and to be shared. It presents a perfect opportunity to learn more about and raise awareness of other cultures and issues such as xenophobia," Konjore said.

According to him, a situation like the annual festival in which different cultures interact is of the utmost importance in helping to understand and appreciate each other and different backgrounds.

"To me the theme of the festival is very fitting and appropriate because throughout the evolution of mankind, many of our traditional tales and dances evolved from gatherings around fires," he said to wild applause by the young people on campus.

The minister commended the institution for banning alcohol from the campus.

"The Polytechnic should continue to be a shining star and should never allow its campus to become a 'shebeen campus'. Its core business needs to remain to train, educate and graduate responsible citizens and not graduates contaminated by booze that will disappointingly go out and start shebeen businesses themselves. This will be a recipe for disaster for our country," he said.

Konjore warned the students against alcohol abuse as one of the most destructive and disruptive forces on the aspirations and wellbeing of any individual, family, community and a nation. Shortly after his inspiring speech, Konjore physically took to the floor to expertly join the Nama cultural troupe in dancing the "Nama Stap" to the utter delight and enjoyment of the audience.

The Rector, Dr Tjama Tjivikua, in his welcoming address warned the audience that tribalism and ethnicity continue to divide the Namibian nation.

"If the root causes of tribalism and ethnicity are not addressed, we can forget about building a united nation in every way. This annual festival is one way to share our cultures and to overcome the mental barriers that are often perpetuated by some elements in our society. It is time to make new friends across the language and cultural divide and it is time to heal the wounds and live a life unspoiled by tribalism, hatred, prejudice and misconceptions," Tjivikua said.

A Miss and Mister Polytechnic of Namibia are to be crowned tonight as one of the highlights of the festival.