Olufuko gala dinner raises over N$200 000
Some sponsors pulling out due to misconceptions
Omusati regional governor Erginus Endjala extended his thanks to the sponsors for their decision to invest in the event.
Olufuko Cultural Festival organisers raised more than N$200 000 at a gala dinner held on Saturday at Outapi in Omusati Region.
The funds are earmarked for hosting the event at the beginning of next month.
The festival is scheduled to take place from 1 to 7 July at the Olufuko Centre.
Omusati regional governor Erginus Endjala thanked the sponsors for investing in the event, saying it will help Namibians preserve culture for generations to come.
Educate
Endjala also used the platform and asked people to educate themselves about Olufuko before spreading misinformation.
He said some people claim the festival is a wedding, which he said is categorically false.
"Olufuko is not a wedding, and that is the perception. Some people are saying the way we initiate the girls is because we want them to get married, but this is not true," Endjala said.
The face of the Olufuko Cultural Festival, Maria Nepembe, pledged N$10 000 towards the event.
Businessman Johannes Kambwela pledged the highest amount, namely N$20 000.
Kambwa Trading and Rani Group each pledged N$15 000.
Over 250 exhibitors have registered to take part in the exhibition.
Challenges
Outapi mayor Selma Asino said the Olufuko Cultural Festival is still facing the challenge of some sponsors pulling out because of misconceptions about the festival.
"Some even go to the extent of discouraging our partners and sponsors from participating in the festivities," Asino said.
She said the festival is not merely about cultural activities but also a platform for businesspeople to showcase their products and services.
The Outapi town council, meanwhile, has set aside N$700 000 for the renovation of the Olufuko Centre.
Asino said council has worked hard to revive the festival and make it bigger and better this year.
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The funds are earmarked for hosting the event at the beginning of next month.
The festival is scheduled to take place from 1 to 7 July at the Olufuko Centre.
Omusati regional governor Erginus Endjala thanked the sponsors for investing in the event, saying it will help Namibians preserve culture for generations to come.
Educate
Endjala also used the platform and asked people to educate themselves about Olufuko before spreading misinformation.
He said some people claim the festival is a wedding, which he said is categorically false.
"Olufuko is not a wedding, and that is the perception. Some people are saying the way we initiate the girls is because we want them to get married, but this is not true," Endjala said.
The face of the Olufuko Cultural Festival, Maria Nepembe, pledged N$10 000 towards the event.
Businessman Johannes Kambwela pledged the highest amount, namely N$20 000.
Kambwa Trading and Rani Group each pledged N$15 000.
Over 250 exhibitors have registered to take part in the exhibition.
Challenges
Outapi mayor Selma Asino said the Olufuko Cultural Festival is still facing the challenge of some sponsors pulling out because of misconceptions about the festival.
"Some even go to the extent of discouraging our partners and sponsors from participating in the festivities," Asino said.
She said the festival is not merely about cultural activities but also a platform for businesspeople to showcase their products and services.
The Outapi town council, meanwhile, has set aside N$700 000 for the renovation of the Olufuko Centre.
Asino said council has worked hard to revive the festival and make it bigger and better this year.
- [email protected]
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