KEETMANSHOOP: Trade and Industry Minister Dr Hage Geingob has called on the Keetmanshoop Show Society (KSS) to be inclusive and benefit everyone, especially communal farmers.
“Avoid apartheid development. The show should be a win-win situation, not only to benefit some people. I am told this show is inclusive, but it will not benefit all if there are only few people participating,” he advised.
The minister said in his keynote address during the opening of the annual Keetmanshoop Agricultural and Industrial Show at the sports stadium here on Wednesday evening that it is commendable that this year, the show focuses on forming smart partnerships between different agricultural industries, as explained by KSS president Leon van Wyk at the same event.
This year’s show is being hosted under the theme “Embracing the future through smart partnerships”.
Geingob stated that Government is making constant efforts to develop the country and empower the poor, and this example must be embraced by everyone so that all citizens are empowered and live a better life.
“No Namibian should be left out of development. You cannot be rich and happy, while your neighbour is hungry. Such a situation will haunt us one day if we allow it to happen,” he cautioned.
Partnerships should thus not only be between the rich, but should also take the poor by the hand.
“Let’s hold hands for a better future,” the politician noted.
Geingob furthermore told the audience that his ministry is making good progress in empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in all 13 regions through the Equipment Support Scheme.
Karas Regional Governor Bernardus Swartbooi used the opportunity to request Geingob’s ministry to consider building a show facility for Keetmanshoop, as the current stadium and hall had become too small.
“There is a need for a show facility for our show here, a facility like the one for the Ongwediva Trade Fair and others. There is no more space for exhibitors in this venue, thus I request your office to look into this,” said Swartbooi as he motivated his request.
The show started on Wednesday, and ends on Saturday.