Matheus David

When Paulus Kornelius speaks about Kwafela Oshiwana Foundation, his voice carries the weight of a calling. He remembers clearly the moment the idea came to him, “a dream of the voice saying ‘help the nation’.” 

From that moment, the vision took root, and on 3 June 2020, during the uncertainty brought on by Covid-19, Kwafela Oshiwana was born.

During the height of the pandemic, especially in the Erongo region, the organisation stepped in. It delivered food, oil, cattle, mahangu and essential goods to those hit hardest. Kornelius and his volunteers became known not for ownership or personal gain, but for service. 

“The company does not belong to anybody,” he says firmly. “It is just a rescue for people who become victims of natural disasters and those dwelling in poverty.”

Traditional authorities, including Oukwanyama, Uukolonkadhi, Ombadja and the Ohangwena governor, offered help. Business owners like Kalambi, Oniipa businessman Vilho and Mario-Six-Thousands donated trucks, drivers and even okapana services to fuel the mission further. Fuel suppliers in Ondangwa stepped in too, ensuring the relief teams could keep moving.

Today, Kwafela Oshiwana continues to grow, not in profit, but in purpose. Volunteers gather regularly to clean hospitals such as Engela and Eenhana, and to respond to crises. The initiative became so trusted that community members and traditional authorities jointly allocated 32 plots of land to support food production. These fields, located in areas like Okongo and Ohamilema, form the foundation of a dream that looks far beyond handouts.

Secretary General of the organisation Ben Mulongeni said, the vision is simple but powerful: “self-reliance”. “We have people ready to work so that we can now stop a lot of hunger,” he says. “Because too often when there’s drought, you will hear government went to ask for assistance from abroad, China donated this, and Africa donated that. Why can’t we produce our own food when it’s raining?”

They plan to cultivate mahangu, maize and omatanga on the donated fields, turning Namibia’s fertile soils into a shield against hunger. Mulongeni adds: “We, as a non-governmental, non-profit organisation, said ‘let’s assist indeed’ so that if we really manage to get assistance, both from government and private people, we’ll produce more food and we will donate it, assisting the government to rescue people from hunger and drought.”

“Why can’t we have our own insurance? That’s the idea behind us, to continue sustaining the organisation,” he said. As the work move forward, challenges also unfold. Kwafela Oshiwana is currently without a formal office after losing access to their previous space. Mulongeni explained.

“We are asking business people to provide an office space for us. We don’t have a heavy administration structure, it’s just Paulus and anyone who can assist voluntarily. But what we need is storage, like a warehouse, where we can store bags of maize and clothes. We keep receiving old clothes from teachers, nurses and others. We thank them very much. Now we just need a space to keep them.”

Former Ohangwena Health Director, Dr John Hango, acknowledged the organisation’s contribution. While he declined to comment in detail due to the sensitivity of government matters, he confirmed that he has worked with Kornelius before he left the office for past two years now. As the rainy season pours hope across the fields, Kwafela Oshiwana makes an urgent appeal to the nation. They need tractors, transport, cleaning equipment and fuel to keep going. Volunteers are abundant, resources are not.

Kornelius said, “Some places are far, and it requires cars to take people there. If we cultivate, we can stop depending on food from other countries. We can grow plenty of food to sustain our people in this good rain season.” And so, the organisation extends its hand to every Namibian, business owners, farmers, public servants, and everyday Samaritans to join the mission of building a self-sustaining nation.

Anyone willing to assist is encouraged to contact Paulus Kornelius at 081 204 2231. –matheusshitongenidavid@gmail.com