Oniipa: Vice President Lucia Witbooi on Thursday emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between government, the private sector, and communities to foster inclusive national development. She stressed that collective action is crucial for improving the lives of persons with disabilities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Witbooi made these remarks during the donation of a vehicle by the Frans Indongo Toyota Group to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) Rehabilitation Centre in Oniipa. This donation was made following an appeal by the Office of the Vice President.

"Today's occasion is a testament to the power of partnership, compassion and collective responsibility in advancing the welfare of our people, particularly persons with disabilities and those requiring rehabilitation services," Witbooi stated.

The donation was prompted by Witbooi's visit to the rehabilitation centre in January 2026. During her visit, she interacted with the management, staff, and beneficiaries, and identified the lack of reliable transport as a major operational challenge. This issue impacted outreach programmes, service delivery, and the transportation of both persons with disabilities and essential supplies.

Witbooi highlighted that the donation of the vehicle is more than just a charitable act; it is an investment in human dignity and accessibility, which will enhance the quality of life for many Namibians who rely on the centre's services.

She pointed out that the vehicle will greatly improve the centre's capacity to reach remote communities, facilitate access to rehabilitation services, and boost operational efficiency, thereby improving outcomes for beneficiaries.

Witbooi also encouraged other corporate entities and development partners to follow this example, asserting that the vision for a more inclusive and equitable Namibia requires sustained collaboration between government, the private sector, civil society, and communities.

Chairperson of the Frans Indongo Toyota Group, Martin Shipanga, expressed that the company needed little persuasion to support the initiative. He described the donation as an investment in the country's future.

Shipanga further mentioned that reliable transport is vital for the centre, as it allows patients to access care and enables outreach teams to reach distant communities. The vehicle will also be utilized to ensure timely delivery of braille learning materials to visually impaired learners.