Feedback from the AEA Annual Congress
The annual congress of the Agricultural Employers' Association (AEA), themed Character Building on Farms, took place last week in Windhoek.
This year it was attended by 53 delegates from 45 farmers’ associations.
Chairperson of the AEA, Christine Stoman, amongst other matters, expressed her disappointment at the lack of progress made by the labour ministry to establish the national pension fund.
According to her, the ministry has not yet announced the minimum wage for farm workers in the Government Gazette, despite their commitment to do so as far back as January 2022.
Meanwhile, Uys Prinsloo from the Nyime Anti-Poaching Unit spoke about drug abuse on farms.
He said although there are several types of drugs in circulation, crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as tik, is the most common drug that can be brewed cheaply from ordinary over-the-counter medications. He warned farmers to apply strict control on their farms, and, where the occurrence of drugs are suspected, the farmer has the right to search workers' houses from time to time.
Support the children
Sharnay Botha of the African Child Development Fund informed attendees about a project to produce and distribute study materials to all 14 regions of the country. This study material, available in 11 languages, covers children's learning and developmental needs from pre-school up to grade three. Only one in a 100 children in rural Namibia currently complete grade 12, statistics show.
Meanwhile, Nantie van Aswegen from Character Transformation Namibia (CTN), spoke on the topic of character building for the future.
She said the most important development in a child takes place in the preschool years, from the age of two.
Most of the emotional development is established from ages two to 14, Van Aswegen explained.
On a weekly basis, CTN shares activities on character traits with schools and other interested parties via their Whatsapp group. Agricultural producers may join the Whatsapp group by requesting a group link at 081 414 2888.
Congress delegates also elected the management that will lead the AEA for the next year. They are: Chairperson - Christine Stoman; Vice Chairperson - Hellmut Förtsch; Board Member South -
Wessel Kruger; Board Member North - Marietjie Otto and newly elected Central Board Member - Sabine Reiff.
This year it was attended by 53 delegates from 45 farmers’ associations.
Chairperson of the AEA, Christine Stoman, amongst other matters, expressed her disappointment at the lack of progress made by the labour ministry to establish the national pension fund.
According to her, the ministry has not yet announced the minimum wage for farm workers in the Government Gazette, despite their commitment to do so as far back as January 2022.
Meanwhile, Uys Prinsloo from the Nyime Anti-Poaching Unit spoke about drug abuse on farms.
He said although there are several types of drugs in circulation, crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as tik, is the most common drug that can be brewed cheaply from ordinary over-the-counter medications. He warned farmers to apply strict control on their farms, and, where the occurrence of drugs are suspected, the farmer has the right to search workers' houses from time to time.
Support the children
Sharnay Botha of the African Child Development Fund informed attendees about a project to produce and distribute study materials to all 14 regions of the country. This study material, available in 11 languages, covers children's learning and developmental needs from pre-school up to grade three. Only one in a 100 children in rural Namibia currently complete grade 12, statistics show.
Meanwhile, Nantie van Aswegen from Character Transformation Namibia (CTN), spoke on the topic of character building for the future.
She said the most important development in a child takes place in the preschool years, from the age of two.
Most of the emotional development is established from ages two to 14, Van Aswegen explained.
On a weekly basis, CTN shares activities on character traits with schools and other interested parties via their Whatsapp group. Agricultural producers may join the Whatsapp group by requesting a group link at 081 414 2888.
Congress delegates also elected the management that will lead the AEA for the next year. They are: Chairperson - Christine Stoman; Vice Chairperson - Hellmut Förtsch; Board Member South -
Wessel Kruger; Board Member North - Marietjie Otto and newly elected Central Board Member - Sabine Reiff.
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