KEETMANSHOOP – Keetmanshoop Rural constituency councillor Gerrit Witbooi says he has embraced diversity and inclusion in serving his community. 

The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) member said he has taken this stance following his election last year. 
“Keetmanshoop Rural belongs to all its residents and inclusivity for all will be the key to unlock equal sharing,” he said in a brief interview. 
He added that the fact of him being a good communicator and extrovert will count best in his favour during his tenure in office. 
“I’ve been actively involved in politics since 2004, being groomed by legendary stalwarts and in fact knew well in advance with our strong support base that I will emerge victorious during the recently concluded regional council elections,” he added. 

Witbooi promised to work hand in hand with the administrative staff in his office in order to complete stagnant and ongoing projects in the constituency.  “The green scheme projects in Köes and Aroab, housing backlog in Kronlein as well as investigations into the alleged exploitation of workers at the Naute irrigation project outside Keetmanshoop will be the main priority areas I will concentrate on first,” he said.  
He also vowed to establish and maintain sound relations with commercial and communal farmers’ cooperatives in order to promote and enhance agricultural production and food security for all. 

In terms of unemployment and poverty reduction, Witbooi said his office will consult with local authorities in the constituency to come up with job creation projects for citizens. 

He gave the assurance that all residents will be treated equally and fairly in the constituency, irrespective of their political affiliation as they are all Namibians at the end of the day.  
“I know with all stakeholders involved I can make a difference,” he said. 
– sklukowski@nepc.com.na