- The Namibian traditional dance performance.
H.E Gebhard Benjamin Kandanga attending the Namibian Independence Celebration at Limkokwing University.
Namibian High Commissioner, H.E Gebhard Benjamin Kandanga arriving at the Hall of Fame
Namibian High Commissioner’s entourage dressed in their traditional clothes.
The traditional dance group.
Namibian traditional marching band.
A Namibian student reciting a poem about her country.
Students attending the Namibian Independence Day Celebration.
The audience cheered happily at the lively performances.
A counter displaying different elements of Namibian Culture was set outside the hall.
Namibian students from all over Malaysia came together to commemorate their 24th Independence Day last week. The Independence Day celebration, which was held at Limkokwing University Cyberjaya, was also attended by the High Commissioner of Namibia in Malaysia, H.E Gebhard Benjamin Kandanga.
The lively event, which was themed ‘Namibians in the Diaspora’ was creatively organized to showcase the Namibian culture, with the Namibian students decked in their unique traditional attires.
Upon the High Commissioner’s arrival, he was lead to the Hall of Fame- where the event was held- by a procession march of the male students, dressed in their traditional attire, inspired by their German colonial past.
Another group of students performed the Namibian traditional dance; a high energy performance that includes drums, clapping, and group singing.
“I am moved by the cultural performance of our people, the Namibian students have only been here for less than a year, but what they are doing is in line with the spirit of this University,” said the Kandanga upon delivering his address.
“I am moved by the cultural performance of our people, the Namibian students have only been here for less than a year, but what they are doing is in line with the spirit of this University,”
He further thanked the University for availing time and space to commemorate their national day, saying such act by the University ‘will go a long way in consolidating the Namibian government’s relationship with the institution’.
“I am grateful to Tan Sri Limkokwing and the management of the University for sponsoring this event and availing this facility to the Namibian students,” he said.
The lively and colourful students were also happy for the opportunity to get together and celebrate their independence, as well as meeting their country mates from other universities.
“It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate our independence and share our culture to a global scene like Limkokwing,” said Princess Shikomba, a Limkokwing University’s Diploma in broadcasting Namibian student.
The event continued with a student band taking the stage, playing lively music in their mother tongue and getting the entire hall on their feet dancing, despite the language difference.
The High Commissioner commended the students for their efforts and encouraged them to study hard, as they are the future of their country.
“I hope the students will not only take back their academic qualifications with them, but also the culture of this University, as we need creative innovation to lead the development of our country.”
He reminded the students that the government was banking on them to bring back international experience and knowledge, and be at the forefront of developing the country’s economy.
The Namibian government sent students to Limkokwing University last year, following a number of African governments that have sent their bright youngsters to gain international education and experience in Limkokwing University, as an effort to provide skilled and experienced manpower to facilitate the development of the country. The University is actively involved in developing Africa, with several campuses in different countries, including Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and the recently opened Sierra Leone.