By Staff Reporter
RUNDU, Aug. 14 – A remarkable entrepreneurial star has emerged in Namibia’s Kavango East region, thanks to the Old Mutual Sustainable Economic & Empowerment Drive (OM SEED) initiative. In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Lab, Old Mutual Namibia proudly announces Ladislaus Shikerete, the visionary behind Wapa-Nawa Recycling Centre, as the distinguished winner of the coveted OM SEED 2023 Kavango East title.
Shikerete, an ingenious entrepreneur, collects plastic waste and ingeniously transforms it into environmentally-friendly bricks, all while minimizing water usage. He has been awarded the first prize of N$50,000 to facilitate the expansion of his groundbreaking business. Maria Haingura, with a focus on farming at Katiku Poultry Trading, secured second place, receiving N$30,000. Rozita Tjilunda of Kayowo Trading, specializing in carpentry, clinched the third spot with a prize of N$20,000. These winners epitomize innovation and community impact, addressing vital needs in their local communities.
Ladislaus Shikerete shared his gratitude and excitement, stating, “To be crowned the Kavango East champion in OM SEED 2023 is a profound honour and a testament to our unwavering dedication. Our business is deeply committed to both environmental cleanliness and providing valuable employment opportunities for our community. This victory reinforces our mission of producing bricks from recyclable materials. The prize money will significantly contribute to our growth and the procurement of essential materials.”
The outstanding achievements of these three Kavango East winners brilliantly showcase the entrepreneurial prowess thriving in the region. Their inspiring journey underscores the transformative power of local initiatives like OM SEED, which fuel economic growth, encourage innovation and uplift communities.
Mignon du Preez, the Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Executive of Old Mutual Namibia, reflecting on this remarkable accomplishment, stated, “This ongoing journey continues to illuminate the untapped potential within Namibia’s aspiring entrepreneurs. We are genuinely thrilled to witness Ladislaus’s remarkable journey and the positive impact his business brings to our nation.”
This achievement marks a significant milestone for OM SEED 2023 as it continues its mission to identify and celebrate exceptional entrepreneurial talent across Namibia’s diverse regions. The enduring entrepreneurial spirit of Namibian visionaries continues to inspire others, urging them to pursue their dreams, drive change, and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. The OM SEED team is now set to venture to the Hardap Region next, where they will select the three winners representing the Southern parts of Namibia.
