Ovahimba crafters given lifeline

A group of Ovahimba women will soon form part of the Penduka Namibia project - situated at the Goreangab Dam - giving them the opportunity to market their products better and make a living for themselves. The six women currently sell their products along Independence Avenue and told Namibian Sun yesterday that business is slow. They had therefore approached a Good Samaritan to facilitate negotiations to be part of the successful Penduka project. It was confirmed yesterday that they will soon join the project, where their crafts will be sold in the near future. The Ovahimba women told Namibian Sun that at present, business is only good between June and September. Penduka is situated at Goreangab Dam and assists women from all over the country to create their own jobs and develop their skills. It was formed by disabled and able women, widows and those living with HIV/Aids and tuberculosis. They work together to make art and craft products. The centre hosts a production workshop, craft shop, sewing and needlework room, restaurants, a cultural performance group, day tours and accommodation facilities. One of Ovahimba woman, Kukee Musutua, said yesterday that they left the Kunene Region to eke out a living selling handmade crafts. “We don’t make money in town. A day can go by without us selling anything and sometimes we walk back home to Katutura,” she said. Musutua has a one-year-old son. Her younger sister, Kenepanga, said they came to Windhoek to sell handmade crafts, because their livelihood is under threat from hunger where they come from. “We have not received rain during the past two years,” said the 19-year-old. Kenepanga, is also mother to a one-year-old and dropped out school in 2010 while she was in Grade 4. They said Ovahimba face challenges such as cholera and drought, as they come from the least developed region in the country. They said women also face the extra challenge of raising their children and taking care of their households. The Ovahimba mostly live off herding cattle and planting maize. When they come to Windhoek they face accommodation problems. The women live in Katutura in makeshift accommodation, erected in someone’s yard, where they pay N$100 each per month. Penduka Namibia management committee member Elizabeth Kauna Simon said they plan on accommodating the Ovahimba in the near future, since they are women and vulnerable. Simon said the group had proved their dedication to do something and earn a living. Their products will be part of Penduka’s handcrafts.