Swakopmund Mayor’s Christmas message

First and foremost, on behalf of the Swakopmund Council and my own behalf, I hereby wish all the residents and visitors of our town, a blessed and jovial festive season.

We can all attest that this year has been an extreme challenge for most of us with the surfacing of the COVID-19 pandemic. This took us all by shock as most people were unable to travel and visit the coastal towns and around the country; jobs and income was cut and sadly, lives were lost as a result of this pandemic.
However, despite the negative impact which resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, the response from our community members was extremely remarkable as we showed the culture of standing together and being there for one another. This was one of my key take away lessons in this pandemic that we can strive to combat, not only the pandemic but any challenge that comes our way, if we do it in unison and solidarity. My hope is that we continue to stand in unity regard-less of any circumstances that we may be faced with.
I know the tourism industry has been affected enormously due to the state of emergency and subsequent lockdown as a consequence of the corona virus. Fortunately, we are now able to travel and we extend a warm welcome to our visitors to come and explore the beauty that Swakopmund has to offer. Please continue to maintain the social distance, sanitise your hands and wear your face masks when in social gatherings.
Dear residents and visitors,
Swakopmund has been one of the most prefer-red holiday destinations as visitors from all walks of life visit our town. The influx of tourists has great bene-fits especially for the tourism industry as it advances our economy and I hope this will help some of the businesses to recover their losses very fast.
As usual, we promise our visitors a fun filled experience in our town. This year, we will be having various activities such as the annual Swakopmund Fair, the golf day, the Nedbank desert dash and food festival just to name a few. In addition, Swakopmund offers a variety of activities ranging from quad biking in the dunes, go-karting, sky diving, boat cruising, fishing, sand boarding, camel riding and many more other exciting activities.
Furthermore, we would like to reassure our visitors of their safety as we have put in place measures to ensure they are safe and sound during the entire season. The Namibian Police, the community liaison police as well as our own Emergency response team will be working tirelessly during this season. Council recently launched a toll free number and we would like to urge all our visitors to make use of the number when in need.
The toll free number is 064 0800 410 410. Please remain vigilant and keep safe at all times.
I would also like to emphasise the behavior of our drivers on the road and call on all drivers to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol as that has been one of the key contributors to road accidents.
During festive season, let us continue to adhere to the legal and safety regulations in order to save our lives and that of our loved ones.
The festive season is a time for great joy as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, Jesus; it is a period where we are expected to spend quality time with our family, friends and loved ones. It may be a time for healing and renewed strength. It should thus be regarded as a sacred time therefore, let us be a blessing unto others and extend love and be jovial and in our celebrations and let us cherish the Creator.
However, many are saddened at Christmas time when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons, some have passed on or some are in hospital due to illnesses or injuries and thus making it difficult for families to be merry during this time. But I hope that you will find comfort and peace in the Lord.
I pray that our almighty creator will heal those who may be sick at home or in hospital during this Christmas. I pray for comfort and peace for the elderly who are at different old age homes. In the same vein, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of those who have departed from us. I wish you strength and peace during this festive season as you think of your loved ones. May you find strength in the Lord.
Once again, please allow me, on behalf of the entire residents of Swakopmund, to ex-press our gratitude to the visitors for choo-sing our town as their preferred holiday destination.
We would like to reassure you all a peaceful and an enjoyable stay in Swakopmund.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2021.

Thank you.

Her Worship, Cllr Louisa Kativa