Adam Hartman
3 December 2008
ABOUT N$300 000 was collected at a fundraising dinner for the Sam Nujoma Foundation held in Walvis Bay last Friday.
About 75 guests, mostly representing the private sector, enjoyed a three-course meal at about N$1 000 a head, and had the opportunity to bid for Sam Nujoma paraphernalia that included rare photographs of historical value and copies of the biography 'Where Others Wavered'.
The auction alone yielded about N$57 000, with a set of photographs depicting Nujoma with Nelson Mandela in New York in 1997 and another of him with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro being bought by Titus Shimanda of Kunene Energy for N$15 000 - the highest bid of the night.
Kunene Energy pledged another N$50 000 to the foundation - the highest pledge for the evening.
Prime Minister Nahas Angula stood in for Nujoma, who is mourning the recent death of his mother, Kuku Gwakondo.
Angula said since the foundation's launch in 2004, it continues to play a complementary role in contributing to Namibia's socio-economic development by pursuing social responsibility activities such as providing assistance and support to orphans and vulnerable citizens.
The foundation views the development of the country's human resources as one of the main challenges in meeting Namibia's national development goals.
He said despite the numerous achievements made over the years in the education sector, there was still a lack of professionals such as doctors, engineers, geologists and other technical personnel.
"Our Government allocates the lion's share of our national budget to education and training, yet many Namibians still lack equitable access to education and many of our high school leavers struggle to obtain funds to pay for further education at the institutions of higher learning," Angula said.
The foundation therefore wants to complement Government by sponsoring students through bursaries and grants.
With the help of the foundation, Angula said, several students have been able to pursue further education, while several sets of computers were donated to schools in northern Namibia.
In its efforts to assist disadvantaged communities, the foundation has also donated blankets, clothing and food to all regions.
"In order to achieve its goal, the foundation will require huge financial resources.
It is for these reasons that we appeal to everyone to open their hearts and support the foundation and its endeavours," Angula stated.
The last fundraising event was held at Ongwediva in 2005, and there the foundation walked away with about N$150 000 "after expenses".
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