Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on Namibians to support a fundraising initiative to provide medical supplies and solar kits to health centres in Cuba. The initiative, which aims to raise N$100 000, is an opportunity for Namibia to reciprocate Cuba's longstanding solidarity and support, particularly during Namibia's liberation struggle. Witbooi made the call at the official opening of the Art for Cuba Exhibition in Windhoek on Monday.
The exhibition, organised by BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie and the National Organising Committee, features artworks by Namibian artists intended to raise funds for humanitarian assistance to Cuba. Witbooi encouraged the private sector, art collectors, development partners, and members of the public to purchase artworks and contribute towards the fundraising target. She emphasised that every contribution will help turn the creativity and generosity of Namibian artists into tangible support for the Cuban people.
Witbooi highlighted the historical relationship between Namibia and Cuba, founded on solidarity, mutual respect, and a common commitment to freedom, human dignity, and the right of people to determine their own future. She recalled Cuba's significant support for Namibia during the liberation struggle, describing it as a commitment to justice, equality, and international solidarity. This support, she noted, was more than a diplomatic gesture.
The Vice President noted that cooperation between Namibia and Cuba has continued since Namibia gained independence, particularly in education, healthcare, and human resource development. Cuban doctors have served Namibian communities, teachers have contributed to the country's education system, and generations of young Namibians have received education and training in Cuba. These contributions, she said, remain an important part of Namibia's national story.
Witbooi emphasised that the exhibition provides an opportunity for Namibia to demonstrate that its historic friendship with Cuba remains meaningful, especially as Cuba faces humanitarian and energy challenges. She stressed that genuine solidarity must endure beyond the circumstances in which it was first established, finding expression in a willingness to stand together during difficult times.
The Vice President commended the participating Namibian artists, organisers, and other contributors for using their creativity to support humanitarian action. She noted that art can serve as more than a form of expression, offering a platform for international cooperation, social responsibility, and the promotion of human dignity. The exhibition, she said, represents the best of what shared humanity can achieve when creativity is guided by compassion.
Witbooi reaffirmed Namibia's appreciation for Cuba's contribution to its development and support during the liberation struggle. She expressed hope that the exhibition will achieve its fundraising target, strengthen bilateral relations, and encourage greater generosity among Namibians. The initiative, she said, honours the historical ties between Namibia and Cuba while providing practical assistance to the Cuban people.
Key points
- The Art for Cuba Exhibition aims to raise N$100 000 for medical supplies and solar kits for health centres in Cuba.
- Vice President Lucia Witbooi emphasised the historical relationship between Namibia and Cuba, founded on solidarity and mutual respect.
- The exhibition features artworks by Namibian artists to raise funds for humanitarian assistance to Cuba.
