Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The descendants of farm workers facing eviction from Okamuru Farm in the Omatako constituency near Waterberg have applauded the government for allocating N$50 million to acquire land for generational farm workers and possibly people stranded in corridors.
The group’s spokesperson, George Ampweya, claims that many families are facing eviction from what should be their ancestral land.
He said this news is a beacon of hope for the children of generational farm workers facing displacement around the country.
“As a direct beneficiary facing the threat of forced and illegal removal from a farm that once belonged to generations of my family, the news of the N$50 million ring-fenced grant for land purchase is a beacon of hope for me personally and the hundreds of the children of generational farm workers who may face possible evictions,” said Ampweya.
The Okozongominya and Okamuru people, who had lived in the area for many years before the genocide, were forcibly removed from their ancestral land by the Germans.
Records show that since 1902, many people have had their homes taken away.
The area they were living in was actually a fence with the inhabitants inside, and some of the Ovaherero living in Waterberg fled the area as the battle became tense.
In 1956, some of the inhabitants moved to Okosongomingo to find employment under the owner of Schneider Waterberg.
“The allocation of this grant offers a glimmer of possibility to reclaim our heritage and secure a future rooted in our ancestral lands. The prospect of utilising this grant to acquire land holds the promise of justice and a level of restitution, providing a pathway for generational farm workers and those marginalised in corridors to reclaim what was unjustly taken from them,” he said.
According to Ampweya, the funds represent more than financial assistance because they symbolise recognition of past wrongs and a commitment to rectifying them.
“Amidst the uncertainty and fear of displacement, this grant offers a dignified resolution. It is a step towards empowerment and the preservation of our cultural heritage. The significance of this grant extends beyond only money but embodies a chance to rewrite the narrative of dispossession for communities like mine,” expressed Ampweya.
Last week, Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein explained how the money would be used in Parliament while responding to questions from Rally for Democracy and Progress Member of Parliament Kennedy Shekupakela.
Shekupakela wanted to know how the ministry plans to expedite the resettlement process to alleviate the suffering of people stranded in corridors.
“The criteria target specific groups as guided during the second National Land Conference. These groups, among others, include dispossessed communities, youth, large communal farmers, and generational farm workers, and the ministry will continue to allocate land on a 70/30 basis in favour of those heavily dispossessed,” said Schlettwein.
Shekupakela also questioned Schlettwein on what specific support packages and immediate interventions the ministry will provide to address the pressing needs of vulnerable communities, including access to food, water, and essential resources.
Schlettwein explained that, according to the newly approved National Resettlement Policy of 2023, support packages will be provided to resettlement beneficiaries under three different resettlement models, namely the High Economic Value Model, the Moderate Economic Value Model, and the Low Economic Value Model.
“Financing programs are critical to farming success. This package is a pre-resettlement or start-up support package aimed at enabling beneficiaries to set up their commercial farming ventures. The grant would, among others, offer start-up means in the form of relocation support, induction training, restocking, tilling, wildlife breeding stock seed capital, and other support required by new beneficiaries to enter and become meaningful in commercial farming ventures,’’ said Schlettwein.
