Imagine a community buzzing with hope and determination, where the government steps in to empower its people to lift themselves out of poverty. This is exactly what happened in the Moses //Garoeb constituency, where a wave of excitement swept through the streets as residents gathered to receive life-changing business equipment from the government’s Income Generating Equipment Programme. For many small business owners, this wasn’t just a handover—it was a lifeline, a chance to grow their businesses and transform their lives.
But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: among the beneficiaries was Jerobeam Haifete, affectionately known as Tshabalala, a man who has been a pillar of resilience in Windhoek for over 15 years. When Tshabalala first arrived in the city, he faced countless challenges. Unable to find a job, he turned to selling sausages and nuts on the streets to provide for his family. “I started with almost nothing, selling food from a bicycle,” he shared. Over time, his hard work paid off—he saved enough to open a small takeaway, even employing a few people to help him. Now, with the equipment he received from the government, Tshabalala is poised to expand his business further. “This support means everything to me,” he said. “It gives me the strength to keep pushing forward.”
And this is the part most people miss: the program isn’t just about handing out tools—it’s about fostering self-reliance. Councillor Stefanus Ndengu, speaking at the event, emphasized its core mission: “We want our people to use their hands and skills to earn a living and fight poverty.” Since its inception, the program has already supported over 270 individuals, proving its impact. This year alone, the constituency received N$270,000, which funded 25 diverse small business projects—from tailoring and catering to welding, gardening, brickmaking, and car washing. Each business received between N$7,000 and N$16,000 worth of tools and materials, a significant boost to their operations.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while the initiative is widely celebrated, some might question whether the equipment is truly being used effectively. Administrative officer Gabriel Namagumbo addressed this head-on, reminding beneficiaries that the equipment belongs to the government and must be used responsibly. “If someone stops using it or misuses it, we have the right to reallocate it to someone else who’s committed to working hard,” he stated. This raises an important question: How can we ensure these resources are maximized for long-term success?
Another beneficiary, Sesilia Komesho, echoed this sentiment, urging her peers to take their opportunities seriously. “We need to find customers and make the most of what the government is doing for us,” she said. For many, the equipment handover wasn’t just a moment of celebration—it was a call to action. Small business owners vowed to put their new tools to work, determined to build better lives for their families.
Here’s the bigger picture: initiatives like this aren’t just about economic growth—they’re about restoring dignity and hope. As Councillor Ndengu aptly put it, “Let us work hard and use these tools to build better lives. This is how we can fight poverty and create hope for the future.” But what do you think? Is government intervention like this enough to combat poverty, or does more need to be done? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of communities like Moses //Garoeb.
