COTA Celebrates 20th Graduation Ceremony

(By: Ivy Gaaitsiwe)

(Images; Campus Connect & Contributed)

In a celebration of artistic excellence and academic achievement, the College Of The Arts (COTA) proudly marked its 20th Graduation Ceremony on 26 September 2025 at the iconic National Theatre of Namibia. Held under the inspiring theme “Igniting Creativity, Inspiring Futures,” the event brought together graduates, educators, families and members of the creative community to honor a new generation of artists and visionaries poised to shape Namibia’s cultural and creative landscape.

Delivering her welcome address at the 20th graduation ceremony of COTA, Rector Ms Angelika Schroeder extended her warm welcome to graduates, families and distinguished guests. She highlighted Namibia’s growing role as a leader in sustainable development, driven by bold initiatives in green hydrogen and renewable energy. She stressed that these efforts go beyond science and economics, they also call for creativity, imagination and artistic expressions.

“We need designers to visualise possibilities and communicators to inspire action,” she noted. “The creative voice is essential to ensure Namibia’s green future is not only built, but also celebrated and understood by its people.” Addressing the graduates, Ms Schroeder reminded them that their imagination is their greatest resource and that their artistic contribution is vital to a society seeking meaning, beauty and innovation.

The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, the Vice President of Namibia, who delivered an inspiring keynote address. In her speech, she emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating “It’s more than just a graduation, it’s a defining moment that not only reshapes your future but also the future of Namibia’s creative industry.”

Her words underscored the transformative power of education and its potential to drive innovation and growth within the country’s creative sectors. She also affirmed the Namibian government’s continued support for the creative industries, noting that the Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan aims to cultivate an enabling ecosystem for the arts and creative sector, one that fosters human creativity and fuels sustainable development.

Adding a personal and inspirational touch to the programme, esteemed COTA alumnus and guest speaker Kapanga Herson, now a respected sports journalist who graduated in 2007 shared heartfelt reflections and practical advice. He spoke to the graduates about the realities of entering the creative industry at a time of renewed national support and opportunity.

Herson reminded graduates that a qualification is only the beginning of the journey. “A diploma doesn’t mean you have a job,it opens the door,” he said. “What you do once you enter the room is what your COTA lecturers have prepared you for. You need the skills, because without them, you are not going anywhere.” The event also featured a captivating live performance by the COTA Band, showcasing the exceptional musical talent nurtured at the institution.

Their vibrant set added a festive and energetic atmosphere to the ceremony, serving as a reminder of the powerful role the arts play in bringing people together and uplifting the spirit of celebration. The 20th COTA Graduation Ceremony stood as a powerful testament to the importance of creativity in shaping a sustainable, inclusive and imaginative future for Namibia.

As graduates embark on the next chapter of their journey, they carry with them not only their qualifications, but also the responsibility and the opportunity to inspire change and ignite progress through their art