Photo: Commissioner Kupembona participated alongside the Prime Minister, Dr Tjitunga Elijah Nguarare, the Governor of the Erongo Region, Hon. Nathalia Goagoses and the Chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Hon. Lazarus Kanelomb.
Residents, volunteers, government leaders and private partners came together at Langstrand this weekend as the N/a’an ku sê Foundation success-fully removed 2.1 tons of waste from Namibia’s coastline during its Annual Beach Cleanup.
The amount of rubbish collected is equivalent to the weight of two small hatchback vehicles or an adult African elephant, highlighting the ongoing pollution challenge facing Namibia’s coastal areas. The cleanup forms part of the Foundation’s Coastal Conservation Project, launched in 2023, which focuses on protecting and rehabilitating fragile coastal environments through community participation and responsible environmental care. Since the project began, a total of 51 tons of waste has been removed from coastal areas nationwide.
This year’s cleanup brought an important message of accountability and action. During the event, it was confirmed that fines for illegal dumping will now be actively enforced, marking a shift from repeated cleanups to preventative measures aimed at changing behaviour and protecting the environment in the long term. The Annual Beach Cleanup was founded in 2024 by N/a’an ku sê co-founder Marlice van Vuuren and has since grown into a national initiative that encourages citizens from all walks of life to take responsibility for Namibia’s coastline. The event was attended by several national, regional and local leaders, showing strong support for environmental protection.
Among those present were Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr Elijah Ngurare, Erongo Governor Hon. Natalia /Goagoses, a Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MET) delegation led by Chief Warden Riaan Solomon, Erongo Regional Council Chairperson Hon. Lazarus T. Kanelombe, Walvis Bay Deputy Mayor Cllr Miina Hangula, and municipal councillors Sharon Roodt and Jo-Anne Kamaundju. The Erongo Police Regional Commander, Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona also joined. Speaking during the programme, N/a’an ku sê Operations Director and Director of Ceremonies, Retired Commissioner Johan Ndjaronguru, reminded attendees that many common waste items take hundreds of years to break down in coastal environments, causing long-lasting harm to wildlife and ecosystems. Reflecting on the day, N/a’an ku sê Managing Director Dr Rudie van Vuuren said the cleanup brought mixed emotions. “Two emotions overwhelmed me: sadness, because of what people are doing to our environment, and hope, because the top leaders of our country pitched up to help fix the problem,” he said. He added that the Foundation and its supporters aim to be responsible and active citizens, committed to protecting Namibia’s natural heritage for future generations.
A key outcome of the event was the Governor’s announcement that fines for illegal dumping will now be enforced, a step welcomed by community members and environmental groups alike. The N/a’an ku sê Foundation thanked all volunteers who gave their time and energy to the cleanup, as well as sponsors and supporters including Catamaran Charters, Rippling Sand Adventures, Charlie’s Guesthouse, Wild Rocket Café, Bojo’s Café, Café Anton, Desert Wellness Spa, Bar Zonder Naam, Rent-A-Drum, Die Muschel Bookshop, Paintball Centre, Indongo Toyota, Muis Burger, and the Naankuse Ecotourism Collection, which sponsored a complimentary night at TimBila Safari Lodge.
By Eileen van der Schyff
