Million-Dollar Momentum for Lüderitz Mayoral Fund

More than N$1 million was pledged at the Lüderitz Mayoral Fundraising Gala Dinner, themed Building Stronger Communities Through Partnership, held in the harbour town on Saturday.

A total of N$1,015,501 was pledged, with Namport contributing the largest amount of N$370,000, followed by Tradeport with N$150,000. The Lüderitz Crayfish Festival and Logistics Support Services each pledged N$100,000, while Walvis Bay Bulk Terminal and AGL committed N$75,000 each.

The Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company pledged to provide the venue for the gala dinner for the next five years, a contribution valued at N$75,000. Individuals pledged N$34,501, Novanam/Lalandi N$35,000, and Seaflower N$30,000.

"The funds will support projects undertaken by the Office of the Mayor. Planned initiatives for 2026 include the annual Elders' Luncheon, the establishment of a toilet paper production facility and a recycling plant, school greenhouse projects, educational support programmes and social welfare initiatives," said Lüderitz Town Council public relations officer Elwin !Gaoseb said.

Lüderitz Mayor Brigitte Fredericks also introduced the chief executive of the Namibian Port Authority (Namport), Andrew Kanime, as the patron of the trust during the event, which was held at the Old Power Station.

"Our patron is a respected Namibian business leader whose career has been defined by integrity, visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to national development. His willingness to support the Mayoral Fund reflects his belief that true leadership is measured not only by professional success but also by a willingness to uplift others," said Fredericks.

Established in 2001, the trust has evolved from a funding mechanism into a platform for collaboration, bringing together government, the private sector, development partners and residents to promote a stronger, healthier, better educated and more economically empowered community.

Kanime said the Lüderitz Mayoral Trust Fund was established to ensure that the town's economic progress translated into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary residents.

He urged stakeholders to take ownership of the identified projects and work together to ensure their success.

"Sustainable progress has never been the work of one individual or one institution. It is the collective result of many hands working towards a common vision. When one child lacks educational opportunities, one family struggles without support or one neighbourhood is left behind, we all have a responsibility to respond. If we do not, it is only a matter of time before those challenges affect us all."

Kanime emphasised that the true measure of a successful town lay not only in the wealth it created but also in the compassion it demonstrated.

"You cannot have an island of prosperity in an ocean of poverty. Prosperity without inclusion and compassion deepens inequality and breeds division. Development must therefore be inclusive, prosperity must be shared, and opportunities must reach every household if we are to build a sustainable community."

Fredericks said the gala dinner was about more than raising funds.

"It is about raising hope, strengthening partnerships, unlocking opportunities and demonstrating that, together, we have the ability to transform lives and build stronger communities through partnership."

She said the Mayoral Fund was established to provide hope where it was needed most.

"It enables us to extend a helping hand to vulnerable families, support educational opportunities, empower young people, respond to community needs and restore dignity to those facing difficult circumstances."