The Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare says the government is committed to improving the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable members of society through income-generating activities.
Doreen Sioka outlined this at Katima Mulilo when she handed over equipment and materials to targeted groups of beneficiaries.
While encouraging women and men to establish and expand their micro enterprises, Sioka said the government, through the Ministry of Gender Equality, will continue to fund viable income-generating projects that have the potential to help residents flourish and create employment opportunities in the long run.
The projects, if run successfully, will contribute to the economic upliftment of residents in the region.
''The Ministry continues to support beneficiaries, and today we are witnessing the official handover of IGA materials and equipment to eight, which translates to a total of eight beneficiaries. The IGA beneficiaries benefiting today are venturing into key sectors, which include manufacturing and agriculture, carpentry, leather processing, tailoring and needlework, gardening, and poultry. The value of the materials and equipment to be handed over amounts to N$77,000.''
Sioka noted that the provision of materials and equipment for these income-generating activities is delegated to the regional council, which is responsible for implementation and monitoring.
Beneficiaries were encouraged to use the materials to earn an income and create employment.
The Minister warned that those who mismanage the donated material and equipment will find them repossessed.
Zambezi Governor, Alufea Sampofu, wants to see positive participation from both men and women.
''This is what we are looking at to make sure that everybody is supported. If you have the will to change the environment in which you are living, you will really change it. This is the truth. Your future lies in your own hands, not in someone's hands.''
The beneficiaries could not hide their joy, some saying they were successful after several applications.
''I have been applying for six years now, but luckily, by God's grace, I received some materials, and it is my happy day today, as you can see.''