The College of the Arts (COTA) has honoured 54 graduates during its 21st Graduation Ceremony at the National Theatre of Namibia, celebrating a new generation of creatives set to contribute to the country's growing arts and cultural sector.

The graduates received diplomas and certificates in disciplines including fashion design, new media design, radio and television production, visual arts and the performing arts.

Speaking at the ceremony, College of the Arts Rector Angelika Schroeder commended the graduates for their perseverance, saying their success reflects years of hard work, resilience and dedication.

"Dear graduates, your journey has not always been easy. There were, of course, demand, deadlines, practical assessment, and so forth and so forth. But yet, through passion, you reached this milestone."

Representing the graduating class, Television Production graduate Matthew Kambuze paid tribute to the families, lecturers and mentors who supported students throughout their academic journey.

He encouraged fellow graduates to embrace the opportunities ahead as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

"I am a product of a community, of a village, of men and women who have poured themselves into who I am today. So to everyone who supported us along our way – our families and friends and mentors and lecturers – we couldn't have done this without you. You believed in us when we didn't believe in ourselves. And your encouragement carried us through. To my fellow graduates, congratulations once again."

Namibia Training Authority Chief Executive Officer Erick Nenghwanya said graduates in the creative arts have an important role to play in shaping the country's future.

He noted that the creative industries not only preserve Namibia's cultural heritage but also contribute to economic growth through innovation and storytelling.

"Each of these disciplines plays a vital role in telling Namibian stories, preserving our cultural identity, and contributing to the growth of our creative economy."