Charitable and benevolent efforts of the Chinese community in Namibia are deepening people-to-people relations between the two countries.

At Shighuru village in Mashare constituency in Kavango east region, about 230 dwellers received household goods donated by the Chinese embassy and community in Namibia in the fight against COVID-19.

The donated items would avert the life challenges of locals, including food insecurity, mainly sparked by COVID-19 pandemic.

Chinese businesswoman, Charlene Chen, who handed over the items on behalf of the Chinese embassy said that people in rural areas are also affected by the state of emergency regulations due to the outbreak of COVID-19; hence the donation.

"We aim to help the people in dire need during this period and ensure that they maintain good hygiene," she said.

"In that way, we also build and nurture relations," said Chen.

Augustinus Shifwaku, member of the Shighuru village development committee is a pleased man. For him, the Chinese philanthropic efforts generate significant interpersonal contact with Namibian people at the grassroots level that can further advance interactions and commercial activities.

"We also call on support towards the development of our agricultural activities such as fishing and horticulture in the areas," he said on Monday.

Bonifatius Wakudumo, governor of the Kavango East region said in times of need, the Chinese government never wavered, always willing to help.

According to Wakudumo, through aid, the presence of Chinese people amid locals breaks social barriers and create friendships.

"Beyond the items provided, efforts by the Chinese to engage with locals bring people of the two countries together, and embracing diversity and multiculturalism," he said.

Meanwhile, in the Oshikoto region in northern Namibia, China Jiangxi International in Namibia also contributed charitable efforts. The company donated 14 tons of food packages. Managing director of China Jiangxi in Namibia Zhuang Yan said that the aim is to give back to the local people and defeat COVID-19 through joint efforts.

The generosity of the Chinese company is seen as another milestone in strengthening ties between the people of China and Namibia. The donation is also seen as an unifier between the two parties.

Betty Kaula, the councillor for Guinas constituency in Oshikoto region commended China Jiangxi International for the donation.

"The donation heeds to unity and the goodwill of the Chinese people. Through such platforms, we get to know them and develop better relations. Not only is that, but united, we are bound to win together," she said.

Zhang Yiming, Chinese ambassador to Namibia, said that the Chinese government and people will continue to stand in solidarity with the Namibian brothers and sister in the fight against COVID-19. 

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