The new leadership of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCC) Ongwediva Branch will not only revitalise the branch and start soon with the project to build and own its own office building, but will also work hard to become the leader of all the NCCI branches in the northern regions.
This was said by the new NCCI Ongwediva Branch Chairperson Mr Panduleni Uahengo.
Uahengo was speaking yesterday at a meeting which was attended by Mayor of Ongwediva Mr Taarah Shalyefu, Oshana Governor Mr Elia Irimari, as well as other stakeholders such as Rector of the University of Namibia Oshakati Campus Professor Jacob Sheehama, Head of Bipa Ongwediva Office Ms Elsie Kanime, Head of the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy Ongwediva Office Mr Shikongeni Ntinda, and owner of Jackson Body Works Mr Jackson Nghidinua.
While representatives from the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) did not turn up despite appearing on the programme, only about 20 entrepreneurs turned up at the meeting which was meant to introduce the new leadership, and also serve as an opportunity for NIPDB and Bipa to give presentations to the business community of Ongwediva.
“We pledge to be a strong advocate for our members’ interests, and we believe in unity, collaboration and partnerships,” said Mr Panduleni Uahengo.
“As representatives of the business community we stand ready to revitalise our branch. This new team will focus on making sure that we bring the branch back to its former glory days. We will also work hard to ensure that this branch becomes the mother branch for all northern branches.”
In his welcoming remarks the Mayor of Ongwediva Mr Taarah Shalyefu stated that the NCCI’s Ongwediva Branch has a critical role to play in equipping local businesses with information by creating platforms “that can empower and boost local entrepreneurs.”
Oshana Governor Mr Elia Irimari said that the new leadership of the branch “has a strategic task, to revive the broken image of NCCI in the region, and bring cohesiveness within the business community, so that it becomes a force to reckon with.
“This gathering should be a symbol of renewal for NCCI, as some years back with the late Iindji it was a formidable team. We are suffering from the nostalgia of that NCCI.”
Irimari also stated that NCCI has in the past played a crucial role. “NCCI remains a strong pillar in our social fabric. Information sharing and training, these things must come back.”
The new leadership which was elected in April 2025 consists of Mr Panduleni Uahengo as the chairperson, deputised by Ms Taimi Shivute. Other members of the executive are Ms Johanna Nghidinua, Ms Hilkka Nekwaya, Mr John Ndume, Mr Salomo Iipinge, and Mr Kondjeni Ntinda.
In the photo: From left, Ms Johanna Nghidinua, Ms Hilkka Nekwaya, Mr Panduleni Uahengo, Mr John Ndume, and Mr Salomo Iipinge.
