NKURENKURU – Otilie Mpingana Hauwanga (30) from Nkurenkuru is appealing to government to support hardworking youths in their self-employment endeavours. She says some youths are trying, but they are not equipped to do more.

“As youth, we need platforms to showcase and sell what we are busy producing. A market designated for youths is needed in Nkurenkuru because the open market here is full, and not attractive to visitors. It needs to be modernised. Stalls have been allocated to elders, and many young people have nowhere to take their products, especially in this town,” she added while marketing and selling her products at the Nkurenkuru Expo currently underway.

Hauwanga usually sells her leather products and garments at the Nkurenkuru open market. She was trained in this trade at the Community Skills Development Foundation (Cosdef) at Rupara village in the Musese constituency of Kavango West.

“I sew bags, clothes and sandals, amongst other products. The support I need from government is in the form of equipment and funds to buy my materials. I’m hardworking and well-trained by Cosdef, as we got trained at the Rupara village centre, where youths are being trained in various trades,’’ she said.

“I also sew nurses’ uniforms, cultural attire and more. But at the trade fair, I’m here to sell traditional food products, traditional knives and my leather products. I sew my products by hand, but I can do more if I get a sewing machine,’’ she pleaded.

The Nkurenkuru Expo started on Monday, and ends this Saturday. Various business people are selling a wide variety of products and services. 

“We are excited to host you in our town. Nkurenkuru is a quiet and peaceful town with a fast-growing economy,” said town mayor Jafet Muti during the official expo opening on Wednesday. 

He added that Nkurenkuru has tremendous potential in different sectors such as tourism, education, hospitality, agriculture, infrastructure (housing, shopping malls, flats etc) as well as manufacturing for potential investors.

“Nkurenkuru town has a fast-growing population of approximately 15 000 people. The majority of the residents are working adults, who can support businesses to flourish. Our abundant water and fertile soil makes us a preferred destination of horticulture and aquaculture investments,’’ said Muti.