Africa-Press – Namibia.
The atmosphere of excitement filled the Moses //Garoeb constituency on Thursday as residents gathered to receive business equipment from the government’s Income Generating Equipment Programme. The handover gave many small business owners hope to grow their businesses and improve their living conditions.
One of the people who benefited is Jerobeam Haifete, well known as Tshabalala, a small businessman who has been living in Windhoek for over 15 years. When he first arrived in Windhoek, life was not easy. He could not find a job, so he started selling sausages and nuts in the streets to feed his family.
“I started my own small business, I began with very little, selling food from a bicycle. Later, when I saved some money, I opened a small takeaway and employed a few people to help me,” Tshabalala said. Tshabalala said the equipment he received from the government will help him produce more food and improve his business. “This help from the government means a lot to me. It gives me strength to continue working hard,” he said.
Councillor Stefanus Ndengu, who spoke during the handover, said the programme aims to help people become self-employed and support their families. “More than 270 people have already benefited since the programme started,” he said. “We want our people to use their hands and skills to earn a living and fight poverty,” he added
This year, the constituency received N$270 000 for the programme, which supported 25 small business projects. The projects include tailoring, catering, welding, gardening, brickmaking, and car washing. The government gave each business between N$7 000 and N$16 000 worth of tools and materials.
Administrative officer Gabriel Namagumbo reminded the beneficiaries that the equipment belongs to the government and must be used properly. “If someone stops using the equipment or misuses it, the council has the right to take it back and give it to another person who wants to work,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Sesilia Komesho, encouraged others to take their work seriously. “We must find customers and make good use of what the government is doing for us,” she said. For many residents, the equipment handover was a sign of progress and opportunity. Small business owners said they will put their new tools to use and make a better living for their families.
“Let us work hard and use these tools to build better lives,” Ndengu said. “This is how we can fight poverty and create hope for the future.” he added.
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