Oshikoto: Oshikoto Governor, Sacky Kathindi, says government will continue supporting vulnerable citizens and work with relevant institutions to ensure those in need receive the assistance they require. Kathindi made the remarks on Monday at the Oshikoto Regional Council while handing over an electronic wheelchair to 18-year-old Justus Mbinga of Ontananga B village in the Olukonda Constituency, who lives with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), commonly known as brittle bone disease.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the donation followed a request submitted by Mbinga's mother, Katrina Mbinga, to the governor's office in March, seeking assistance to improve her son's mobility. "When your mother approached me with this request, I made a promise that I would assist. Today, I am pleased that we have been able to fulfil that promise," Kathindi said.

He added that the electronic wheelchair would improve the teenager's mobility, enhance his independence and enable him to carry out his daily activities more easily. "As leaders, our work is not only about policies and meetings. It is also about standing with our people and lending a helping hand where we can. If we can make a positive difference in the life of one person or one family, then we have done something meaningful," he said.

Kathindi emphasized the government's responsibility to identify where assistance is needed and provide support whenever possible. "We will continue to help where we can, and where we cannot, we will knock on the doors of the relevant offices and seek assistance," he added.

Mbinga, a Grade 8 boarding learner at L. Lenza Institute in Oshakati, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying the wheelchair would allow him to move around independently. "I am very thankful for my chair. At least now my friends do not have to push me around. I can do it all by myself," he said. He also shared his aspirations to study radiography at university after completing school.

His mother thanked Kathindi and the governor's office for responding to her request, highlighting that the electronic wheelchair would enable her son to get to class on time and move around the school independently, without relying on friends or teachers to push him.