Mbumba visits queen of Oukwanyama

VICE president Nangolo Mbumba paid a courtesy call on Queen Martha Mwadinomho Kristiaan Nelumbu of Oukwanyama on Friday, where he was informed about the pressing needs of the local community, including a lack of pasture for livestock.

Speaking on behalf of the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority, senior headman Nghidinihamba Ndilula told Mbumba that a lack of pasture had forced many cattle farmers to drive their animals into southern Angola for grazing, where they are welcomed, but said such a situation is not sustainable.

He also highlighted the lack of water for people as well as animals during the dry season, and urged government to consider making some of its many quarantine camps in the region available to local cattle farmers.

Ndilula also appealed to government to build earth dams to harvest water during the rainy season so as to ensure that people and animals have enough water during the dry season.

Mbumba – whose visit was private – did not directly address the problems presented before him, but used the opportunity to inform Queen Nelumbu about his new appointment as vice president and University of Namibia chancellor, saying those were positions he never dreamed about.

He said although both his parents had long ago passed on, he does not feel like an orphan as he can seek the advice from traditional and spiritual leaders, as well as veterans of the liberation struggle.

Regional governor Usko Nghaamwa took up the issue of a lack of grazing space, placing part of the blame on the community.

“I grew up as a cattle herder, and there was enough grazing space at the time. But we destroyed it by transforming it into residential areas, and by keeping large herds of old and dying oxen,” he stated.

Nghaamwa said Namibia’s population is growing, but the size of the country remains the same. “To make space, let us avoid keeping large herds. Let us rather market our animals, and lift ourselves out of poverty,” he urged.

Mbumba’s visit coincided with that of higher education minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi, who visited the Omhedi palace to bring government’s response to Queen Nelumbu’s request that public institutions of higher learning expand their services to the Ohangwena region.

Kandjii-Murangi said government is aware of the pressing need for a tertiary institution in Ohangwena, but said such a project is not currently feasible due to financial challenges.

As a short-term alternative, she said her ministry and the regional governor’s office are considering upgrading the training courses offered at the Eenhana VTC from Level 3 to Level 5.