A group of livestock farmers in the vicinity of Witvlei village is pleading with the relevant authorities for a resettlement farm.

The farmers say the limited farming area they currently occupy is not economically viable. 

The spokesperson for the farming community surrounding Witvlei, Stanley Gomxob, said household numbers are increasing annually, which subsequently means more livestock brought in by these subsistence farmers. 

Another challenge they face, according to Gomxob, is stock theft, a problem he attributes to their residence within the town boundaries. 

He thus proposed that allocating them land some distance away from town would be ideal for their farming ambitions.

"We wrote a letter to the governor calling for a meeting, but the governor did not give us any definitive answer. It was clear from the meeting that he doesn't have a strategy to solve the problem of Witvlei when it comes to farming land. Witvlei has land; the government owns farms there, and another will be bought soon. Can the government please see and consider Witvlei farmers, at least for that farm?" 

Gomxob stated that the group plans to request a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform to further discuss their farming concerns.

The Chairperson of the Witvlei village council, Thomas Gariseb, is in agreement with the group pleading to be resettled, saying their livestock poses a serious threat to road users.

"When we are talking about cattle, they have too many, and it contributes to accidents in Witvlei, as these animals are grazing along the road. Therefore, we are requesting that the president and the minister address this issue and assist us in securing a farm for our residents."

Approached for a comment, Regional Governor Pijoo Nganate, who also serves as the chairperson of the Omaheke Resettlement Committee, pointed out that he successfully managed to negotiate with the Minister of Agriculture for more land for farming communities at the Witvlei, Gobabis, and Ben Hur settlements. 

Nganate said that, through his office, the names of all affected farmers will be submitted to the minister for further deliberation.

Nganate stated that some farmers, particularly those in Witvlei, express a desire for a strict relocation to Witvlei. 

The Governor acknowledged their plea and committed to addressing their concerns with the appropriate authorities.