From zero to first registration process

A newly established Windhoek-based welfare organisation has received its first significant donation following a successful registration process.

Vecius Ntema Tapiso and Winnie Melody Tapiso were known as the couple who slept on cardboard boxes in June last year.

“We were in a state of astonishment about what had just transpired and extremely hungry and thirsty. We spent several days sleeping at Wernhil,” said Tapiso during an interview last year with The Namibian.

Tapiso and his wife started an organisation known as Nest Of Love Welfare.

According to Tapiso, the organisation’s mission is to help people in need. They will do this by entering into agreements with prospective employers and offering training, rehabilitation, mentoring and coaching, followed by job placement in the government and private sectors.

“We knocked on a number of offices seeking a legal way to register the welfare organisation. In October 2023, we started with the registration and got registration on 30 April 2024,” said Tapiso.

The certification allows them to legally accept and seek donations of food, clothing and financial contributions.

“Completing the registration process was a crucial step towards achieving transparency and accountability in our operations,” Tapiso added.

Their commitment to securing legal status has paid dividends. After months of outreach, Howard Distributions, a local company, agreed to a meeting.

“We met with James van Rooyen, sales and marketing manager at Howard Distributions, yesterday. The meeting was productive, and Van Rooyen expressed his strong support for our mission,” he said.

This support translates into a substantial initial donation – one tonne of instant porridge.

Tapiso said the much-needed food will be delivered today, providing a vital resource for the organisation’s beneficiaries.

This first contribution signifies a pivotal moment for the organisation and underscores the importance of perseverance and the positive impact of local business partnerships.

“We remain committed to fostering strong community ties and fulfilling the mission of assisting those in need,” Tapiso added.