By: Ketemba Tjipepa
While many graduates from the University of Namibia donned well-picked and tailor-made outfits on Wednesday, Tuarirovangu Queeny Kasirua opted for a different look. Kairua, a law graduate, chose to honour the OvaHimba community, who motivated her to pursue her education and realise the opportunities available, by dressing in a Himba attire.
Photos and videos of the 23-year-old woman went viral on social media platforms, receiving praise and admiration for her display of cultural identity and academic achievement.
“There is no better way to end my degree or at least finish my course of study than to present people who have sent me to university, which is the Kaokolanders, the people from Opuwo, the OvaHimba people, my family…to represent a community that has sent me to university and see the light that is this side,” explained Kasirua, who embarked on her academic journey in 2020.
Kasirua proudly refers to herself as a ‘Himba advocate’ after being nominated as a Students Representative Council (SRC) member in 2022. She explained her interest in defending marginalised people, the LGBTI community as well as people with disabilities while at university.
Born and raised in Opuwo, Kunene region, Kasirua later moved to Windhoek to pursue her education. She sees obtaining her qualification as breaking the generational curse.
“I always wanted to expand, break generational curses, and make it this far. If being an orphan does not motivate you, then nothing will, especially for us who have lost one of our parents”.
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