Zebaldt Ngaruka
EPUKIRO – Both Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regional farmers’ unions recently held their elective congresses, where new leaders were elected to spearhead and provide
strategic direction to farmers within the two regions for the next three years.
At its elective congress, the Omaheke Regional Farmers Union (ORFU) chose Deon Hekemo from the Eiseb Farmers Association
as its new chairperson, and he will be deputised by Peter Kazongominja, who hails from
the Aminuis Farmers Union.
Kazongominja is also the current councillor for the Aminuis constituency and is a member of Parliament.
Meanwhile, Jerry Kazapua
from Otjombinde was elected to the position of secretary of the regional union, while Uapingena Ruhumba from Epukiro was elected as deputy secretary.
The financial affairs of the union will be handled by Kumbazu Tjikuzu and Boniface Mokhatu, who will serve as treasurer and vice treasurer, respectively.
Kauetu Seun Murangi will be responsible for the marketing, innovation, and technology affairs of the union, while the lands, resettlement, and water affairs will be headed by Jakavaza Kavari
Women and youth were on top of the agenda during the congress, and it was resolved
Calista Katjiuanjo would head ORFU’s gender and youth affairs, especially programmes and projects that have to do with their empowerment.
Mbasara Mbuende was tasked with overseeing and managing all union’s projects through the projects manager department, whereas Katjinduu Tjahuha will be spearheading agricultural shows and exhibitions for the regional body.
The crop production portfolio was placed under the care of John Hikuama, who will ensure that the region is not only known for beef production but also ventures into crop production.
Following his election,
Hekemo shared with AgriToday that his priority will be to get all ORFU and affiliated farmers associations in the region well capacitated through skills training and leadership seminars on agricultural activities.
“Our regional body will continue to engage our farmers on all pertinent issues, especially
through the continuous dissemination of timely information concerning livestock marketing and pricing. We will also continue placing special emphasis on the needs and aspirations of our grassroots farmers,” he said.
In the Otjozondjupa region,
their congress elected Chris
Tuvingo Katjitundu from Okamatapati as their new chairperson, while Samuel Maharero was elected as vice chairperson.Jackson Hindjou and David Gaweseb were entrusted with the secretarial duties of the regional union, with Hindjou elected as secretary and Gaweseb as deputy secretary.
The gathering also chose to entrust the union’s financial affairs with Tjeripo Pro Rijatua, who is elected as the new treasurer, and he will be assisted by Samueline Muzepe as vice treasurer.
Five additional members were elected to the leadership to strengthen and expand the union’s activities. They are Uzeraije Kapika Tjazerua, who will serve as an executive member overseeing all public relations aspects, while Okakarara constituency councillor Ramana Mutjavikua will serve as an advisor to the union’s leadership.
The crop production and horticulture portfolio were placed under the care of Joanitha Kauapirura, while Benestus Katjizeu will be responsible for livestock marketing. Luther Ripunda will be heading the agricultural shows in the region.
On his part, Katjitundu said the elimination of poverty among the inhabitants of the Otjozondjupa region will be a huge priority during his reign.
“We have land and water, and our communities need to produce food for themselves. Women and youth are far from farming, and we will make sure they are encouraged and empowered to put up their gardens and produce food for our communities,” said Katjitundu.
Amongst others, he added that as chairperson, he will work closely with all other regional bodies countrywide.
“As a union, we will look for ways to influence government policies with regard to farming and be part of decision-making processes here in the region and countrywide. Traditional leaders must also be more active in farming activities and make land available for our community members to produce food,” added Katjitundu.
–zngaruka@yahoo.com