Witbooi calls for support for Art for Cuba Exhibition…as exhibition targets N$100 000

**Ester Hakaala **

Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on the private sector, art collectors and development partners to support a fundraising initiative targeting N$100 000 for medical supplies and solar kits for health centres in Cuba.

Speaking at the official opening of the Art for Cuba Exhibition in Windhoek on Monday, Witbooi said the initiative was an opportunity for Namibia to reciprocate Cuba’s longstanding support during the country’s liberation struggle and subsequent development.

“I therefore encourage everyone present, as well as members of the private sector, art collectors and development partners, to support this worthy initiative by purchasing artworks and contributing generously.

Let us work together to achieve this mark, and if possible, exceed this target.

Every contribution will help turn the creativity and generosity of Namibian artists into tangible support for the Cuban People,” Witbooi said.

The exhibition brings together Namibian artists in a humanitarian initiative aimed at raising funds to assist Cuban health facilities amid what the Witbooi described as significant humanitarian and energy challenges facing the Caribbean nation.

The VP said the initiative is rooted in the historical relationship between Namibia and Cuba, which she described as being founded on solidarity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to freedom, human dignity and self-determination.

“The Art for Cuba Exhibition represents the best of what our shared humanity can achieve when creativity is guided by compassion.

It brings together art, history and humanitarian action in a way that honours the friendship between our two nations while providing meaningful assistance to the people of Cuba,” she said.

Cuba supported Namibia during its liberation struggle, while cooperation between the two countries continued after independence through education, healthcare and human resource development.

Witbooi highlighted the contributions of Cuban doctors and teachers to Namibian communities, as well as the education and training received by generations of Namibians in Cuba.

She said these contributions remain an important part of Namibia’s history and underscored the importance of maintaining international partnerships during difficult times.

“Today, as the people of Cuba face significant humanitarian and energy challenges, this exhibition offers Namibia an opportunity to reciprocate that friendship through practical action.

It reminds us that genuine solidarity must endure beyond the circumstances in which it was first established, finding expression in our willingness to stand together during difficult times.”

Witbooi added that solidarity should extend beyond historical ties and be demonstrated through concrete assistance when partner nations face hardship.

The VP said the exhibition goes beyond fundraising, describing it as an expression of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the shared values between the two countries.

“To our friends in Cuba, Namibia’s message is clear, we remember your support during our liberation struggle and in the years that followed; we appreciate the contributions you have made to our development, and we stand in solidarity with you during these challenging times,” she said.

The Art for Cuba Exhibition was officially opened by Witbooi on Monday and will conclude on Friday in Windhoek.

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