In Gobabis, visual artist and trainer Silverius Olibile has been shaping young people with artistic talent since the early years of independence. 

Having started his journey in 1992, just two years after Namibia gained independence, he has dedicated his life to nurturing creativity and passing on skills to the next generation.

"I started in 1992, but actually, I didn't want to become a visual artist; that was not my dream. I wanted to become a musician. I finished my high school here in Omaheke. When I got my matric results, I decided to go back home to Windhoek and start my music career. Coming home, I found my cousin Modi teaching my friends around Katutura, giving them a few visual skills. Then they said, 'With music stories you are wasting your time' so I decided to just join them."

Today, he teaches visual arts at the Gobabis Library, where his passion continues to inspire young people to explore their artistic potential.

"The year 2000, that is when I came to Gobabis to start this programme. I am now employed by the government under the National Arts Extension Programme."

Olibile says while progress has been made over the years, the pace of development remains slow for many artists on the ground. 

"It is getting better; however, for us, progress is very slow when we consider the years that have passed, the government's actions, and the funding being allocated to the arts. I think the government is doing a lot; the problem is maybe the administrators, the guys who are given the task to run the arts. But from the government side, there's no problem."

He, however, raised a concern that many in the creative sector feel overlooked, especially those who are no longer active or employed. 

"We as artists are very unhappy looking at those who are retired; the system forgets about them. If you're not in the government, you are nowhere to be seen. So, although we are employed, we are still unhappy with our salaries; we don't develop."

Despite the challenges within the creative sector, the visual artist remains hopeful about the future of young artists.  

As Namibia celebrates its independence, his journey serves as a reminder that nation-building is not only shaped through politics and infrastructure but also through art, culture and creativity.

The 8th administration has made the creative industry one of its priorities and a key economic driver for innovation, youth empowerment, and job creation.