KATIMA MULILO – First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba has called on the vulnerable members of society to start income-generating projects in order to be self-sustainable and break the chain of dependence on donations. The first lady made the strong request when she met members of the Organization for the Empowerment of Widows/Widowers and Orphans of HIV and AIDS in Namibia (Oewona) in Katima Mulilo last week. The first lady is the patron of the organisation.
Pohamba said government does not financially support Oewona hence the need for self-sustainability. “The government is already supporting orphans and many of the widows through social grants. That is why my office does not receive funds from government for widows and orphans. I source all funds and materials from donors, companies, business people and individuals,” explained the first lady.
Pohamba said she was puzzled about why widows in the region were not involved in agricultural projects while the region sits with abundant fertile land. “We must be involved in income-generating projects. I don’t understand why you should depend on your brothers and sisters across the river in Zambia for vegetables which you can grow with little effort. We have to learn to do even little things,” urged Pohamba.
Pohamba also used the platform to applaud the Oewona regional team that according to her has managed to run a feeding scheme without any support from headquarters. “I would like to thank Mrs Patricia Siska and her team for keeping Oewona alive. My office has not given them funds to run the office or the soup kitchen but they have used their own money for their activities,” said Pohamba.
Among the concerns raised by widows at the event were money for projects and the provision of employment. Pohamba urged the widows to group themselves and present their ideas to institutions that can provide assistance.
Zambezi Governor Lawrence Sampofu urged the same, revealing that monies for income-generating projects are available at regional councils provided members join hands as a group and come up with viable ideas.
“If you want to start a project approach your constituency councillor. Each constituency last year received N$97 000 from the regional council specifically for projects. All you need to do is group yourselves and come up with an idea,”emphasised Sampofu.
By George Sanzila