Ndeitunga wants open borders for Angolan food
Governor urges free passage for beans, groundnuts
The looming hunger in the country has tongues wagging.
Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga wants the Namibian Police to allow importers of groundnuts and beans from Angola to bring these foodstuffs into the country, a similar call as one made by President Nangolo Mbumba last weekend, who said mahangu sellers must be allowed to import it unhindered.
Ndeitunga said: “We welcome the recent statement by the president that people importing mahangu into the country for self-consumption to mitigate the impact of drought should be given preferential treatment. We also kindly request that the same treatment should be given to those importing groundnuts and beans for the same purpose”.
He was speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo on Wednesday, and highlighted that such exemptions will help mitigate the adverse effects of the drought that has continued to ravage Namibia.
Mbumba recently asked the police at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ondonga heritage shrine in Oshikoto to allow Namibians to buy staple foods from neighbouring Angola to avoid the shortage brought about by drought. The president has also declared the drought a state of emergency.
“While we acknowledge the challenges posed by the current drought affecting the country and the broader southern African region, we remain steadfast in our determination to ensure the success of the Omaludi festival,” Ndeitunga said.
Despite the adversities, he encouraged farmers to soldier on.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Angolan government for their understanding and support, particularly in accommodating our farmers grazing in Angola who have been impacted by the ongoing drought. The presence of some of those Namibian farmers here today, showcasing their well-nourished oxen, underscores the spirit of collaboration and unity that underpins this festival,” he said, adding that this is a true reflection of Ubuntu.
Be patriotic
The former police chief also appealed to those he termed “fortunate enough” to have produced or traded mahangu and other basic foodstuffs not to take advantage of the drought situation to charge exorbitant prices.
“Kindly be patriotic enough and assist the less fortunate ones whenever possible. Anyone who has surplus food should share it with fellow citizens who are in dire need to ensure that no one dies of hunger in our country. Times of hunger, drought and emergency have required solidarity and African Ubuntu since time immemorial,” Ndeitunga said.
The festival, he noted, serves as a platform for the advancement of agricultural development, offering farmers the opportunity to showcase their produce and connect with potential markets for their livestock.
“We are here today to celebrate the remarkable Omaludi festival, a cherished tradition that has united our communities in celebration and friendly competition for generations. Hence, the new generation should safeguard and promote this tradition,” he said.
Ndeitunga added that the festival serves as a unifying force, bringing together communities to forge new connections and uphold the proud heritage of Oshiwambo-speaking people, as well as their culture and traditions.
As a former cattle herder himself, he said he takes great pride in being associated with the festival, recognising its profound importance in the country’s history and committing to its continual promotion and enhancement.
The event was graced by Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is also the patron of the festival.
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Ndeitunga said: “We welcome the recent statement by the president that people importing mahangu into the country for self-consumption to mitigate the impact of drought should be given preferential treatment. We also kindly request that the same treatment should be given to those importing groundnuts and beans for the same purpose”.
He was speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo on Wednesday, and highlighted that such exemptions will help mitigate the adverse effects of the drought that has continued to ravage Namibia.
Mbumba recently asked the police at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ondonga heritage shrine in Oshikoto to allow Namibians to buy staple foods from neighbouring Angola to avoid the shortage brought about by drought. The president has also declared the drought a state of emergency.
“While we acknowledge the challenges posed by the current drought affecting the country and the broader southern African region, we remain steadfast in our determination to ensure the success of the Omaludi festival,” Ndeitunga said.
Despite the adversities, he encouraged farmers to soldier on.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Angolan government for their understanding and support, particularly in accommodating our farmers grazing in Angola who have been impacted by the ongoing drought. The presence of some of those Namibian farmers here today, showcasing their well-nourished oxen, underscores the spirit of collaboration and unity that underpins this festival,” he said, adding that this is a true reflection of Ubuntu.
Be patriotic
The former police chief also appealed to those he termed “fortunate enough” to have produced or traded mahangu and other basic foodstuffs not to take advantage of the drought situation to charge exorbitant prices.
“Kindly be patriotic enough and assist the less fortunate ones whenever possible. Anyone who has surplus food should share it with fellow citizens who are in dire need to ensure that no one dies of hunger in our country. Times of hunger, drought and emergency have required solidarity and African Ubuntu since time immemorial,” Ndeitunga said.
The festival, he noted, serves as a platform for the advancement of agricultural development, offering farmers the opportunity to showcase their produce and connect with potential markets for their livestock.
“We are here today to celebrate the remarkable Omaludi festival, a cherished tradition that has united our communities in celebration and friendly competition for generations. Hence, the new generation should safeguard and promote this tradition,” he said.
Ndeitunga added that the festival serves as a unifying force, bringing together communities to forge new connections and uphold the proud heritage of Oshiwambo-speaking people, as well as their culture and traditions.
As a former cattle herder himself, he said he takes great pride in being associated with the festival, recognising its profound importance in the country’s history and committing to its continual promotion and enhancement.
The event was graced by Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is also the patron of the festival.
– [email protected]
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