Gam
The San Community in Gam, Otjozondjupa Region are set to be the beneficiaries of 155 cattle.
The cattle were donated as part of the Namibia-German Special Initiative Programme (NGSIP) to help eradicate poverty and support vulnerable and formerly marginalised communities. The cattle will be divided among 30 families.
Speaking at the launch event at Gam on Tuesday, Chief Bobo Tsamktao ≠oma of the Jul’hoansi Traditional Authority commended government for the initiative and warned beneficiaries to refrain from selling the livestock without following proper guidelines.
“Our government is working around the clock in fighting poverty within our communities. What is left now is for us to do our part,” Chief ≠oma said.
Special advisor to the Otjozondjupa Regional Governor Moses !Omeb, who spoke on behalf of Governor Otto Iipinge, warned the beneficiaries not to sell the livestock without following the due processes.
He also called on villagers and farmers in the surrounding areas to lend a helping hand to the destitute San communities.
“Let us get away from this jealousy-type attitude. Let us help these communities to get back on their feet,” he said.
He urged San communities to keep a close eye on their livestock and also advised them not to fight over the livestock.
!Omeb further questioned the rationale behind the selection of the committee that consists of ten members – only two of whom are from the San community – and called on those in charge to review the composition of the committee.
“President Hage Geingob has repeatedly said ‘No one should be left out’, so let this become our motto. It cannot be about the San without the San,” he said.
On his part, the National Planning Commission’s chief national development advisor Ned Sibeya emphasised that although the government declared all-out war against poverty, popular participation remains a key imperative in collective efforts to bring about prosperity and create sustainable livelihoods for those at the margins.
“Government will not always be here to take these programmes further, therefore it will be up to you to take these programmes further,” he emphasised. He said government remains committed to making sure that such assistance is put to good use in an effort to make a difference in the livelihoods and living conditions of the populace.
Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Namibia Christian Gruen commended the resilient spirit and enthusiasm of the villagers, saying this is a clear indication that the community is ready and eager to work with them.
He said the German government remains committed to the programme and his presence at the event was a clear indication of their commitment. The launch was also attended by Tsumkwe Constituency Councillor Fransina Ghauz and various members of the local communities.
A thorough analysis of the grazing assessment, combined with livestock training for the beneficiaries, was also provided at the launch.