EENHANA – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed deep concern over the recent suicide cases of three teachers from the Ohangwena region, describing the loss of young lives as very sad.
“It gives me sleepless nights. I am sure as residents of the Ohangwena region, you too have been feeling the same way,” she said.
She made these remarks during the official opening of the Eenhana Expo yesterday.
The president urged all residents of Ohangwena to do soul-searching and ask themselves the big question: “What is happening in our society? Let’s seek help. Let’s help one another to save lives.”
The president emphasised the importance of national unity in addressing the issue. “As a nation, we must come together and find solutions,” she said. The president said last week was difficult for her after she received this devastating news. She also extended her sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the teachers. “We sympathise with the bereaved families; our thoughts and prayers are with you,” the head of state said.
She added that she had directed all civil servants to be sensitive to the circumstances of others. Suicide rates have become a concern in the country as this has become worrisome and very sad, she added. The president then turned her attention to the expo, saying it provides a marketplace for SMEs to gain exposure and access new markets.
“However, the SMEs face multi-faceted challenges such as a lack of access to start-up capital, business skills, and stringent credit facility requirements, which continue to limit the sector’s contribution to the nation’s development,” she said.
She further said as the country strives to build a robust, resilient, and inclusive economy within a dynamic global landscape: “We must change our mindset to ensure that resources are used effectively for the benefit of all Namibians. I reiterate that we are too few to be poor. If we all work with one heart and one mind, the sky will not even be the limit.
“Among other things, we must fight corruption. If corruption is allowed, it will compromise government efforts towards equitable services delivery, sustainable development, and shared prosperity,” she continued.
Therefore, she said citizens must collectively find solutions to combat it, as it is detrimental to the economy.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said youth empowerment is a cornerstone of the national development agenda, and expos should offer invaluable opportunities for young people to showcase their products and services.
She added that it is imperative that the youth are equipped with the resources, skills, and opportunities to thrive in an evolving economy.
“To this end, the government continues to support programmes and initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, reducing unemployment among our youth, and opening markets for trade and investment,” she added.
She further emphasised that it’s on this basis that Cabinet approved the N$257 million as part of the National Youth Fund, aimed at strengthening youth financial positions and enabling them to participate more actively in the economy.
“The youth fund will be operationalised in August, and young people must be on the lookout to benefit from this fund which will be accessed through financial institutions and will be open to all with or without collateral,” she added.
In addition, she said the fund will also contribute to high job creation in sectors such as agriculture.
In addition, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the Eenhana Expo, like others across the country, brings together local and international exhibitors and stakeholders and serves as a gateway for Namibian entrepreneurs to access the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“By leveraging the opportunities presented through the AfCFTA, the expo contributes to regional integration and collective prosperity for Africa,” she said.
Also speaking at the occasion was Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa who said the Eenhana Expo is not merely an event on our calendar but a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and national solidarity.
“It is a celebration of Namibian-made products, services, and partnerships that foster collaboration and spark innovation. At its heart, the expo reflects the values we hold dear: generosity, inclusivity, and our collective ambition to build a better tomorrow,” she added.
The expo kicked off last week and is scheduled to end on Saturday. A total of 208 exhibitors are participating at the show.