By Marx Itamalo |
Despite the government saying that efforts are being made to empower youths across the nation through businesses and projects, some youths say they are being neglected and have given up hopes of ever partaking in government sponsored youth schemes.
Omutumwa spoke to several youths in Oshana who have complained that they have been struggling to uplift their businesses which they have started with their own money due to lack of support from the government and relevant stake holders.
“Oshana is the most strategically located region in the whole northern Namibia in terms of business activity. We have three towns in the region namely Ondangwa, Ongwediva and Oshakati but people do not want to help us,” says Peter Hiskia, a jeweler based in Ondangwa.
He runs a jewelry workshop and shop in Ondangwa which he said he started with his own savings after completing his training at a reputable outfit at Swakopmund.
“For the past ten years I have been applying for government funding but to no avail. I tried the then ministry of Trade and Ministry through their youth funding programs but nothing came out of it. I tried the then Gender ministry through the funds they disburse through regional councilor’s offices, still I got no help,” he said.
Hiskia indicated that he wants to expand his operations so that he also train others and offer them employment.
“This trade is tough because of the training which is intensive and the equipment that is expensive. But if one could get support, one could grow and employ others,” he enthused.
Field Marshall ‘Dj 50’ Shitaleni, a cellphone repair technician in Ondangwa said that the government favours some businesses over others. He also said there is nepotism in the selection of candidates for sponsorships or grants.
“Most of the time, you realise that the people or businesses chosen belongs to either children or relatives of officials. So, those of us who are not known are left behind, despite how good or impressive our records or experience or our applications are.”
He cited the case of a well-established successful business man at Ondangwa running a brick making project who was funded at the expense of needy youth in the same constituency.
“We were not surprised. He was courting one of the officials doing the interviews,” he seethes. The youth entrepreneurs want the selection process for funding to be fair and transparent.
Ondangwa Urban councilor Leonard Negonga upon inquiry said that all youth entrepreneurs who feel victimized should visit their councilor’s offices to lay their complaints instead of crying in silence.
“We cannot say such things are not happening. But, if someone feels they have been treated unfairly, they can always visit the offices and their matters can be taken from there,” he said further urging youth entrepreneurs not to give up on funding opportunities provided for by the government.
Oshana Governor Hofni Ipinge could not be reached for comment by the time of going to print as his number went unanswered.
In the photo: Field Marshall ‘Dj 50’ Shitaleni.
