GOBABIS – Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has hailed the timing and purpose of the ongoing Omaheke Employment Creation Conference, saying the gathering perfectly complements government’s efforts to address the unemployment crisis.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, the keynote speaker at yesterday’s leg of the week-long conference, said Omaheke regional leadership has demonstrated, through the employment creation conference, what it really means to meet government halfway.
“In many of my countrywide work visits, especially to the various regions, what we hear are complaints of how people are unemployed and how government has not done this and that to empower the youth. But here in Omaheke, the regional leaders have shown us all, through this very innovative employment creation conference, what it means to meet government halfway and what it means to complement government efforts. People want hope and solutions, and Omaheke has provided just that to all Namibians through this gathering, not only to the region,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The veteran politician, who also doubles up as the country’s international relations minister, said the employment creation conference also speaks to the aspirations of government’s action plans such as the Harambee Prosperity Plans and the National Development Plans, which are all geared towards the country’s Vision 2030.
“As a national leader, I’m proud to stand here and witness the takeoff of this successful event, because it speaks to what we want to achieve as a country and where we want to take our youth. Young people are the ones that will steer the country’s growth further and if they are not empowered through such collaborative efforts, we will be in trouble as a nation. So, thank you very much to the regional leaders of Omaheke for setting the tone and I must call on other regions to follow this path.”
Transparency and accountability
On the Seed Capital Fund launched on Tuesday and raised over N$500 000 in start-up capital, Nandi-Ndaitwah applauded the region’s efforts but called on the fund to be well managed through transparency and accountability.
“Development can only take place through trust and peace; you cannot lead people if they don’t trust you. Therefore, to the regional leaders, please make sure that the money is accounted for and is well taken care of so that our young people can benefit from your efforts. Only through agriculture and entrepreneurship can we thrive as a country. Therefore, our young people must be well prepared and well equipped for the future, and this conference and the established seed fund will go a long way in preparing them for the many tasks ahead,” she stated.
- ohembapu@nepc.com.na