The Namibian government has resettled 5,518 beneficiaries under the Land Reform Programme.

This is inclusive of 26 who just completed an induction on infrastructure, livestock management, rangeland, fodder production, poultry, crop, and proper marketing and received allotment letters.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, at Ben Hur in the Kalahari constituency, Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate reminded the recipients of the great responsibility placed on them.

"Today's programme is informed by our national resettlement policy of 2001, where all resettled commercial farmers are expected to be self-reliant through a concerted effort of a series of empowerment programmes. It is in this regard that the ministry, in collaboration with Agri Bank, came up with various initiatives earmarked for pre- and post-resettlement support targeted at newly resettled commercial farmers."

The Acting Director for Resettlement and Regional Programme and Implementation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Melania Iipinge, called on the beneficiaries to put to use the skills gained.

"Welcome all to this programme, and I would like to just mention that we are going to receive our allotment letters. Please, let's go and implement what the trainers have trained us on. Please, let's go and produce food for Namibia rather than just go and sit on the land."

Gobabis Councillor Augustinus Tebele, who spoke on behalf of the Kalahari Constituency Councillor, encouraged the beneficiaries to join national efforts to eradicate poverty.

"To all the resettled commercial farmers, I am truly glad that an induction of this nature has been organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform in collaboration with Agribank; this initiative is crucial to equipping you with all the necessary skills."