By Stefanus Nashama

The Kwafela Oshiwana Initiative, a non-profit organisation, has continued its community cleaning campaign across the Ohangwena region since 2023, with a growing number of volunteers dedicated to improving public hygiene and supporting vulnerable communities.

Founder and chairperson Paulus Kornelius recently told Confidente that the organisation focuses on cleaning government offices, traditional authority premises, and public spaces as part of its mission to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
Established on 3 June 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, the initiative initially sought to mobilize food supplies for people confined to their homes in Walvis Bay. Since then, it has expanded its scope to include a wide range of community empowerment activities.

“Today, we are involved in cultivating fields for food production, collecting donations, and helping vulnerable people, including those with disabilities and families struggling to make ends meet,” Kornelius explained.
He said that despite limited resources, the initiative has managed to make a significant impact thanks to support from “good Samaritans.”

“I do not have a formal job or an income, but we continue because we believe in helping others,” he added.
Currently, the organisation boasts more than 10,000 volunteers who participate in various community-driven projects across the region. Among these, Kornelius said, is the cultivation of 32 mahangu plots allocated to the group to strengthen food security efforts.
However, he pointed out logistical challenges in reaching these areas due to inadequate transport.

“We struggle to travel to some of the fields because we do not have enough vehicles to carry our members and equipment,” he said.

Kornelius also shared that he has presented progress feedback to the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority regarding the organisation’s achievements in land allocation for food production.

“The traditional authority leadership was very happy to hear about the feedback and encouraged us to continue and do more,” he said.

Kornelius has since appealed to traditional leaders to allocate the initiative a single large piece of land to cultivate, which he believes would improve efficiency and production output.

He said despite these challenges, the Kwafela Oshiwana Initiative continues to inspire many through its grassroots efforts to fight hunger, promote cleanliness, and strengthen community solidarity across northern Namibia.