Namibian cultures should unite rather than divide the country.

That was the key message of the ||Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze, urging students of the University of Namibia Southern Campus during the official opening of their annual cultural festival in Keetmanshoop.

The students showcased their traditional attire, and the day was filled with traditional music, dances and storytelling.

Governor Gertze urged the different ethnic groups not to despise one another because of their language, appearance, customs or place of origin and instead called for greater learning, respect and friendship among communities.

He stressed prejudice and exclusion have no place in a united Namibia.

"Namibia is unique because our nation is blessed with many tribes and diverse cultures. This diversity is not a weakness, and it must never become a source of division. It is a national treasure. We should appreciate the greatness of the creator, and we should appreciate one another so that unity in diversity becomes not only a slogan but a lived reality."

He further spoke out against cultural intolerance, tribalism and stereotyping, emphasising the important role the annual cultural festival plays in tertiary institutions.

Retrichia Higoam, the cultural representative of the Southern Campus, highlighted the meaning behind this year's theme, which is "Empowered by Education, United by Culture".

"As students at the University of Namibia, we come from different regions, communities, languages and cultural backgrounds. We may not all share the same traditions, but we share this university and this community, and that is the beauty of culture."

The festival ends on Saturday.