WINDHOEK- The Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) on Monday donated N$50 000 to the Namibia Networks of AIDS Service Organizations (NANASO) to strengthen their efforts to support those in need.
Namport CEO, Bisey Uirab, said the company’s strategic focus is to invest in positive people energy for improved port efficiency.
“We believe this notable gesture will act as a catalyst to greater ingenuity of not only non-governmental organisation in mobilizing resources, but also the private sector, to support the work of civil society organisations. It is not a cost but an investment in the long run,” said Uirab. He praised NANASO for its great vision and innovation. He said Namport carries the interest of all Namibians at heart. “I acknowledge that the needs are many and the resources are limited, yet Namport endeavors to make a significant contribution and difference in all the 14 regions of this country through the NSIF, which has three focus areas namely health, education and entrepreneurship development,” he explained.
On receiving the donation, Executive Director of the Namibia Network of AIDS Services Organizations (NANASO) Sandi Tjaronda said they recognize and acknowledge that everywhere resources are hard to come by, times are tough and many are reluctant to open their wallets.
“As a caring company, Namport has seen it fit to do the right thing, putting their money where their mouth is. This gestures a commitment to not only look after the bottom-line, but understanding that the bottom-line might not be feasible if we do not invest in the HIV response as corporate companies,” he said. Tjaronda says there are many companies in the country that are here to rip off the economy and to expatriate the proceeds outside its borders.
“Such companies become oblivious to the realities affecting our people, as they chase the Namibian dollar at all costs,” he added. “I think enough is enough. Namibia must enact laws that forces companies to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of our people in terms of health and economic wellbeing,” he stressed, adding that companies that display no sensitivity to employees and the communities they operate in should be blacklisted.
Tjaronda says many people are infected and affected by HIV and AIDS and they need assistance to come to terms with their condition and so that they can live normal lives. “They need treatment, care and support to restore their dignity and humanity,” he added. He further says people on ARVs need nutritional support and food, particularly in times of drought when food is not as readily available. He further commended Namport for its partnership and called on other companies to emulate the good example set by Namport.
The Namibia Network of AIDS Service Organizations is one of the oldest networks in the country providing essential services to members of the public, particularly in areas such as capacity development, advocacy, facilitation, networking and policy development.
By Kuzeeko Tjitemisa