adminJonathan Mbiriyamveka recently in NAMIBIA
AT times staying in fancy hotels, having three-course meals everyday and watching birds from the balconies isn’t as enjoyable as taking a drive to the townships. For it is in the townships or ghettoes where you meet people from all walks of life – the poor, the rich and even the famous. In the townships that is where you get the real feel of any city life whether during the day or at night, you are assured of boundless joy.
So while in Namibia for a week, we had an opportunity to go out and have drinks at a place where anything goes. From chilled drinks, to marinated BBQs and the beautiful people you will find your match. It’s where different cultures converge.
Katutura is what they call it.
There you find everything you want to know about Namibia, be it the exuberant night life, the traditional cuisine and the haves or is it the have-nots. Be that as it may, Katutura is still a must-see township as each day people come to eat as well as mix and mingle.
As much as it is an attraction Katutura dates back to Namibia’s apartheid era. The name means “the place we never want to live in” referring to 1959, during the South African apartheid regime, when the black Namibians were compelled to live there.
Initially, the blacks used to live close to the CBD where it was convenient to walk to work or to go shopping.
According to statistics, over 100 000 people live in Katutura, which is about a third of Windhoek’s total population. All the major ethnic groups are represented there including Owambo, Nama, Herero and Damara.
For that alone, a visit to Katutura is always an interesting stop. You should see how the Namibians love their braai; it is really amazing.
The meat is not from the butcheries but it will be there in front of you and all you have to do is choose the cuts that suit you and they braai if for you.
Away from the BBQs or Tshisa Nyama as it is commonly known in South Africa, the nightlife is pretty hectic in Windhoek.
The party people go on until the early hours of the morning. Perhaps if you are looking for a place to go and enjoy the music it might be worthwhile to check out Jokers’, Pharaohs and Chez Ntemba. These joints are always packed with revellers who drink their night away.
At least you are assured of meeting not one but many Zimbabweans living in Windhoek for a chit chat and, of course, drinks.
Online Reporter