Erongo Governor Dr Natalia /Goagoses has pledged strict accountability and transparency in the management of the N$21.29 million raised at the Walvis Bay Mayoral Fundraising Gala Dinner, promising an independent audit, a trust structure and tangible benefits for young people and educational institutions.
The record-breaking fundraising achievement has been hailed as one of the largest amounts ever raised at a local authority or regional council gala dinner in independent Namibia. Speaking at the gala dinner, held at the Walvis Bay Civic Centre under the theme African Royalty, /Goagoses congratulated the municipality, its leadership and contributors for their generosity, singling out the US$1.2 million (approximately N$19 million) pledge from Ikaya Somandla Family Trading Enterprises (ISF).
She praised the company’s decision to channel proceeds generated from Namibia’s natural resources back into local communities.
“Thank you very much that you are ploughing back to the Namibian community,” she said. However, the governor emphasised that managing the substantial amount responsibly would be just as important as raising it. She confirmed that she would serve as custodian of the fund and work with the municipal leadership to establish proper governance structures.
An independent auditor would be appointed, while a trust with appointed trustees would oversee the administration of the funds in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. “This is the largest-ever money raised, as far as I know, after independence, at a gala dinner of an institution of local authority or regional council,” she said.
On how the money would be used, /Goagoses made a firm commitment that the proposed youth centre would be constructed, with young people given employment opportunities during the construction process.
The remaining funds would be channelled towards educational institutions selected by the municipality. “I shall make sure, ladies and gentlemen, that this youth centre is constructed, that the youth are employed to construct this youth centre, and the rest of the money shall be given to the educational institutions that the council would so decide to benefit from this fund,” she said.
The gala raised N$21,291,496 through pledges from businesses, individuals and other stakeholders, demonstrating significant support for the Mayoral Fund’s humanitarian objectives.
The governor thanked all contributors, stressing that their generosity placed a responsibility on the municipality and regional leadership to deliver meaningful results.
By Rudi Bowe
