KATIMA MULILO – The Katima Mulilo annual mayor’s civic awards, an event incepted two years ago, received a welcome cash boost of N$95 000 from various businesses and institutions. This is in addition to pledges of close to N$80 000 made during the official launch of nominations for the awards slated for November 31. New Era newspaper will offer free advertising for the awards.
Launching the prestigious event which seeks to reward residents who have made a positive and meaningful contribution to the welfare of the town, the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Doreen Sioka commended the town council for the initiative, stating it was the only town council in Namibia undertaking such a noble initiative.
“I must mention here that thus far Katima Mulilo Town Council is the only town in Namibia that recognizes the efforts of its residents through civic awards. It is a great task but with the support from the business community the task has become easier,” said Sioka.
The launch attracted a sizable number of business people and residents and Sioka said she felt “a lack of corporate responsibility that was prevalent in the town before” has begun to diminish.
“By sponsoring the various awards, companies are showing appreciation to the town council and Katima Mulilo residents at large. It is the business people’s social responsibility to contribute and empower communities. I would like to commend the support we are getting,” said Sioka.
Martin Mwinga, a renowned economist, businessman and a native of the Zambezi Region who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Services, Richard Nchabi Kamwi, hailed the development taking place in Katima Mulilo before guaranteeing his availability for any technical support that might be needed by the town council. “My observation is that Katima has progressed. Management has done a great job. Every time you come you see changes. This town is moving despite limited resources. This is a demonstration of the vision of the town council. I want to promise you that as professionals we are always available if you need any help,” pledged Mwinga.
Katima Mulilo mayor, Charles Matengu, announced at the launch that nominations are open until end of October.
Each category will have three nominations and a winner among the trio will be chosen by a panel of judges that are drawn from various institutions. Categories include green award, environmental award, young entrepreneur award, business person of the year award, community award, sports award, arts and culture, and mayor’s merit award. Residents can hand their nominations to the town council. Nominations can also be made on the town council website www.kmtc.org.na.
Tickets to the event will cost N$250 for individuals and N$5 000 for corporate tables. Even though each category carries a monetary incentive, event organizer Nadia Mushabati could not divulge much regarding the prizes only saying prizes will not be below N$1 000. In the past the awards were faced with a dearth of sponsors. But now sponsors for the event include Denchi Consulting Engineers, the Social Security Commission, Agribank, National Housing Enterprise (NHE), Nedbank Namibia, New Era and Bona Consultancy, among many others.
The chief executive officer of Katima Mulilo Town Council, Charles Nawa, also announced at the event that the town council intends constructing three police substations in the informal settlements of Mahohoma, Choto and Cowboy.
By George Sanzila