Lissony Njembo 

Former NBC Omurari FM presenter, Uzeraije Kapika Tjaverua, best known for hosting popular morning talk show ‘Ketuute’ is a man relishing his new role and armed to deliver. 

Tjaverua is the new Okakarara constituency councillor. 

Trading the microphone and pen for political office, Tjaverua says his experience in the media industry motivated him to enter local governance. 

“During my time at NBC, I formed strong bonds with the community and developed a deep appreciation for the people I served,” he said. 

According to Tjaverua, his active engagement with the community inspired him to run for council, a decision he does not regret. “I am passionate about my role and committed to helping residents by finding solutions to the challenges they face, with the ultimate goal of improving their livelihoods,” he said. He highlighted that the Okakarara constituency is grappling with serious issues, including high unemployment, poverty, land shortages, poor road infrastructure, and water challenges. 

“Unemployment, particularly among young people, is one of the key focus areas. My office recently invited boys aged 18 to 35 who are interested in enrolling at vocational training centres to collect application forms from constituency offices in Coblenz, Okatjoruu, Okamatapati, and Okondjatu, where staff were available to assist with completing the forms. The vocational training centre has incorporated a bridging course so that nobody will be left out,” he added. 

Challenges 

However, Tjaverua emphasised that education alone is not enough. He stressed the importance of addressing the mental health of the boy child, stating that sending them to school without proper psychological assessment may not yield positive results. He plans to have them evaluated by psychologists so they can receive the necessary support. He also said he will seek out government programmes and align them with this initiative to ensure beneficiaries fully access available opportunities, and he will keep the community informed about government initiatives. 

“Land distribution is another pressing concern, as available land is limited. I will advocate for fair and balanced land allocation so that young people can engage in agriculture and benefit economically,” he added. 

On the issue of cutting trees for firewood and charcoal, he acknowledged that people rely on these activities for survival but cautioned that environmental preservation must not be ignored. He added that conservancies in the area play a role in ensuring environmental sustainability. 

Education 

In the education sector, Tjaverua said his office is focusing on three key pillars: parents, teachers, and learners. The constituency has launched a project targeting Grade 1 learners to engage them at an early stage. Nonetheless, their academic progress will be monitored until completion, with interventions introduced where necessary. “I would like to host career fairs, facilitating one-on-one engagements with learners and parents, and reinforcing the importance of education,” he said. 

He expressed a strong interest in education and added that he aims to empower and motivate learners while seeking lasting solutions. 

“I want every school in the constituency to have a functioning library; some schools currently lack operational libraries, and I encourage a reading culture from an early age, which is one of my priorities,” he said. 

Regarding road infrastructure, Tjaverua said the constituency depends on government support, as it is a costly project. However, I call on other stakeholders to assist in improving road conditions. 

On energy, he expressed a desire to see the area electrified through solar power, starting with educating communities on the benefits of renewable energy. 

He noted that the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy is offering grants and loans and said he would also like to engage other stakeholders, including sister countries. 

To reach his constituents, he plans to conduct home visits, attend auctions, and actively use social media platforms. 

“I encourage people to avoid being greedy and to decline requests that are beyond their means; just say no,” he added. 

To ensure accountability and transparency, he said he will work closely with all stakeholders, including constituency development committees and traditional leaders, while discouraging favouritism and nepotism. -lis24nje@gmail.com