Otjimbingwe Farmers’ Association revived

THE Otjimbingwe Farmers’ Association has been revived after being dormant for several years.

The OFA was established in 1994 with the goal of empowering and protecting the interests of farmers in the Otjimbingwe area of the Erongo Region. Various attempts were made in the past to meet the objectives set out in the OFA constitution, but to no avail because of a lack of support and involvement of the community.On May 30 a congress was held that was already 15 years overdue in terms of the previous Otjimbingwe Farmers’ Association constitution to re-organise and revive the OFA for proper representation at various levels. The congress was attended by close to 120 members from all corners of the Otjimbingwe area.’After 13 hours of deliberations with a few hurdles debated, the congress ended in a very positive spirit; all points on the agenda were objectively concluded and also a new constitution was adopted,’ the OFA said in a press statement last week.The purpose of the congress was to pave the way forward, setting clear objectives and governing rules for the OFA to both the members and those entrusted in leading it.Representatives from various sectors like Meatco, the Meat Board and the Namibia National Farmers’ Union also attended the event. A new committee was elected consisting of the chairman, deputy chairman, secretary, treasurer, three organisers and one adviser each from the Herero and Damara traditional authorities. Kahende Katambo was elected as chairman.’This is a new dawn for the Otjimbingwe community,’ the OFA said.