Maria David
Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Oshakati Town Council raised over N$400,000 during a recent fundraising event for the hosting of the Totem Expo.
The 12th edition of the expo will take place from December 4 to 10 under the theme ‘Strengthening Ties Through Culture’.
This year’s Totem Expo aims to provide a platform for all Namibians to learn about and strengthen their cultures. It also offers enterprises, institutions, and business sectors an opportunity to sell and showcase their products and services.
Speaking during the gala dinner, Deputy Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said cultural exchange encourages individuals to learn about and appreciate different customs, traditions, and perspectives.
“When we actively engage with other cultures, we not only gain knowledge, but we also develop empathy and respect for the experiences and values of others,” she said.
She added that this helps break down stereotypes and misconceptions, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity.
Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated that cultural connections can also have positive economic impacts. Cultural tourism, for example, can attract visitors and revenue to communities, boost local businesses, and create job opportunities.
By promoting and sharing their cultural heritage, she said they strengthen the cultural and creative industries, contributing to economic growth and sustainability.
She then warned that cultures and traditions should not be used to divide people and destroy the country.
“Our different cultures and traditions must be a source of inspiration and strength to build a strong nation,” she said.
Furthermore, Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that they must see it as a stream of water that collects everything along the way, thus ending up in fertile land down the stream, and that is what they should call Namibia, the fertile land.
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