Otjinene – The Otjinene Constituency in the Omaheke Region is addressing local malnutrition issues with a soup kitchen that now feeds over 300 people, including children and vulnerable adults. Erwin Katjizeu, the regional councillor, in an interview with Nampa, highlighted the initiative’s growth since its inception in late September. Initially targeting malnourished children aged three to five, the program expanded to cater to children up to 14 years old and other needy individuals, including pregnant women and nursing mothers. The soup kitchen, driven by the constituency office and volunteers, provides two meals daily. Katjizeu emphasized the community’s collaborative effort, with donations from non-governmental organizations, corporate institutions, and local farmers, who recently contributed beef.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), The initiative aims to support not only the disadvantaged but all needy residents in Otjinene and surrounding areas. With the rapid increase in beneficiaries, Katjizeu appealed for more assistance, particularly as the kitchen plans to close on December 7 for the festive season, highlighting the ongoing need to ensure food availability for the community during the holidays.