Kavango west: Kavango West has invested N.dollars seven million into 41 Individual Veteran Projects to enhance income-generating activities for former liberation fighters. Kavango West Governor, Verna Sinimbo, highlighted these investments during her State of the Region Address (SORA) as crucial for fostering economic empowerment, self-reliance, and improved living standards among veterans and their families.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Sinimbo emphasized the enduring importance of recognizing the contributions of those involved in the liberation struggle. She noted that the freedoms and opportunities enjoyed today are a result of the sacrifices made by these veterans. The government remains dedicated to honoring these sacrifices through programs that aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of veterans.

Sinimbo detailed that the Division of Veterans Affairs is implementing various programs under the Veterans Act No. 2 of 2008 and the Veterans Amendment Act No. 3 of 2013. These focus on income-generating projects, dignified burials, and gratuity payments. Additionally, through the Funeral Grant Programme, 15 veterans who passed away during the review period were given dignified burials at a total cost of N.dollars 150,000.

Furthermore, 47 individuals were granted veteran status and received a total of N.dollars 2.35 million in once-off gratuity payments. Despite these efforts, Sinimbo expressed concerns over the limited capacity of the regional Veterans Affairs office, which is currently staffed by only one individual. This situation challenges the delivery of timely and efficient services to veterans and their dependents.

Sinimbo called for strengthened institutional capacity to ensure veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve. The theme of the SORA was 'Growing The Future Together: Youth-Led Agriculture, Employment And Prosperity for Kavango West.'