The Mobile Telecommunication (MTC) Limited has recently disbursed equipment worth N$1.4 million from proceeds generated from the maiden MTC We Run Together project, to boost the businesses of 82 beneficiaries.
The equipment, which includes a 10,000 litre water tank, pipes, a booster pump, welding and sewing machines, building equipment, videos and photography equipment, were handed over to the recipients who were selected from a pool of approximately 500 business proposals that were received.
One of the beneficiaries, Agripreneuer Leo Josua (31), who operates a horticulture garden along the Ruacana-Oshakati canal, at Okafa village, Omusati region, says: “This is a 10% boost which will assist me to move another level up, even though it’s a fraction of what I need to produce on a larger scale. However, I have to be thankful because I didn’t have what I received.”
The MTC We Run Together project was launched in February last year, with the actual race taking place in May, which resulted in income generation of N$1.4 million, said MTC’s John Ekongo.
The selection vice committee chairperson Jernine Husselmann said it was disappointing to note that no single application was received from some regions, while in others only two applicants could submit their proposals.
Ekongo shared similar sentiments and said it was vital to provide start-up equipment in order to make a positive impact in the lives of the youth who are unemployed. Josua, further said that farming has many challenges especially when one does not have necessary resources.
“Pests are the biggest threat destroying all plants as we do not have funds to buy pesticides. This in return creates inconsistency in our production, thus hindering us to explore lucrative bigger market such as retailing shop. Hence we just rely on selling to street vendors,” he stressed.
In addition, Josua plans to relocate somewhere where he can cultivate and produce on a larger scale.
“This will in turn create more jobs for the locals and also contribute to food security,” Josua said.
MTC’s Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer Tim Ekandjo, implored the beneficiaries to work hard and become productive individuals of value to the community.
