The 2025 IUM Cultural Festival was officially opened on 27th August 2025 by Prof. Osmund D. Mwandemele, IUM Vice Chancellor at Dorado Park Main Campus in Windhoek , Namibia.The ongoing IUM Cultural Festival is running under the theme:”Our Roots, Our Future”. To signify the importants of this signature event , the opening ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests, senior management and staff members of the university and students. Notable key guests who attended the official opening included Mr. Manfred !Gaeb, Director of the National Heritage and Culture Programmes and Mr. Franklin Angermund of Namibian Breweries Limited.
In his passionate opening welcome remarks ,Prof. Osmund Mwandemele ,heartfully reminded the gathering that , “whom we are today is deeply connected to where we have come from ,i.e. our roots , our cultural heritage , our histories and our languages, all of which shape our identities and influence the ways in which we engage with the world”. The Vice Chancellor, further emphasized that education at IUM goes beyond academic lecture halls, providing well-rounded education that embraces cultural values and traditions.
Keynote Address
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Manfred !Gaeb, Director of the National Heritage and Culture Programmes.In his key note address, Mr. Manfred !Gaeb stated that, “This festival reflects the spirit of unity, diversity and innovation values that are deeply embedded in Namibias National Development Plan Six(NDP 6) and the Draft National Arts and Culture Policy, both of which guide our vision for knowledge based and culturally vibrant society.NDP 6 recognizes that culture is not just heritage but it is an economic resource.It sustains industries, promotes tourism and generates employment opportunities for our youth. By investing in Cultural programmes, Namibia positions itself to achieve sustainable growth while preserving the traditions that define our identity”.
Key Highlights of the 2025 IUM Cultural Festival:
a.) Music and Dance Entertainment by Various Groups:
- Dhemba Cultural Group
- Nama/Damara Cultural Group
- Kavango Cultural Group
- Zambezi Cultural Group
- Oshiwambo Cultural Group
- Arts & Entertainment Society – Sweety Namibia
- SCM Choir & IUM Choir
b). IUM values and promotes cultural diversity and inclusivity
c). Culture is an economic resource which should be nurtured
d). Students should not take advantage of the Cultural Festivities and drink alcohol
e). Contemporary Poetry by the Mr. Lucky Pieters, Master of Ceremony, alongside Mr. Lloyd Sikeba, IUM Radio Presenter
Conclusion
The 2025 IUM Cultural Festival will conclude on 30th August 2025. There are several ucoming exciting events lined up including the 2025 Miss and Mr. IUM competition and various best cultural performance contests. Attendees are encouraged to visit the Palm Tree in Windhoek City to enjoy a rich experience of traditional cuisines, music and cultural performances.