OKOMBAHE, Oct. 11 -Early Christmas ululations and joy could not have come earlier for the residents of the settlement of Okombahe, when well-known corporate executive and philanthropist Tim Ekandjo spoiled the elderly residents, distributing food hampers to the value of N$110 000 to over 260 households.
Accompanied by his family earlier today, Ekandjo handed over 260 food parcels to the elderly community of Okombahe in the Daures Constituency.
The event took place at the Okombahe Community Hall and was attended by the vulnerable elderly recipients, Honourable K. !Haoseb, Ms /Goagoses, Former Chief Regional Officer of Erongo, Honourable Hafeni Ndemula, Chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council and Mr Abed Ganaseb, Chairperson of Elders in Okombahe Branch.
“Having been a student at Martin Luther High School brings back very fond memories of Okombahe because we regarded Okombahe as our capital city after Omaruru. I have not visited Okombahe since 1997 when I matriculated from MLH, and I wanted to do something special for the elders,” said Ekandjo.
He added:“Sometimes God blesses us with favour, and positions us in such a way that we are blessed with resources not always meant for us. I came back here after 20 years to share the little I have been blessed with, with you, and being back here today reminds me of where I come from, and the important chapter this part of the world played in my upbringing. We must always remain respectful to our elders, and today I do not want you to thank me for sharing my blessing, but I want to thank you for being willing to accept it and thank the almighty God for using me in the manner he does today.”
Moreover, he called for his fellow Martin Luther High Alumni to stand up and be counted: “It is amazing to come back, years after I completed my high school here in the area, to notice that the community elders lovingly still hold the place dear to their hearts, in fact if need be I am calling on all my fellow MLH Alumni to pull efforts together to give back to the communities in the surrounding, because it was their love and nurture of this many elders that kept us going – despite us being hundreds of kilometres away from our homes. These elders were our parents during those years and deserve better.”
Besides food hampers worth N$280 each, villages elders were also treated to a sumptuous braai – as a cow was slaughtered to ensure that the festivities reverberate throughout the entire settlement.
In his remarks, Chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Honourable Hafeni Ndemula thanked Ekandjo.
“I would like to thank Tim Ekandjo, for not forgetting his community of Okombahe, for coming back to plough back and help the elders in the month of International Elders Month. Okombahe and the Daures constituency is one of the poorest, and donations of this kind helps the community. Harambee does not only call on government to assist, but also individuals.”
One of the elderss who received a food parcel could not contain her joy, “Times are really hard and food is expensive, we are so grateful for this present from this young man, we really enjoyed ourselves today with the meat and the food and still went home with a parcel of food that will keep us going for the next 2 months at least, may the Lord bless you and your family to replenish for what you have so graciously gave to us.”
The celebrations were followed by entertainment by local cultural groups. Amongst the invited guest were; Chief Immanuel /Gâseb -! Oe-≠Gân Traditional Authority, Honourable Councillor K. !Haoseb – Councilor of Daures Constituency, Ms. Nathalia /Gôagoses – Former CRO of Erongo Regional Council, Pastor !Nowaseb, Police Station Commander – Okombahe, and principals from Dibasen Junior Secondary, Martin Luther High School and Willem Borchard Primary Schools respectively. The ceremony was attended by over 300 people. The investment is estimated at N$110,000. – Sharma Mundingi,Namibia Daily News