LÜDERITZ – Corporates and individuals pledged close to N$500 000 during the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival Trust Fund’s gala dinner last weekend at the coastal town.
Delivering the keynote address, fisheries and marine resources deputy minister Sylvia Makgone said the overall objective of the fundraising event was to raise much-needed funds to host another crayfish festival this year.
She called on the attendees to respond to the trust’s call for their great initiative that will, apart from hosting the festival, will also use the funds to empower less advantaged residents in the constituency towards achieving economic freedom.
“All proceeds derived after the event will be used to secure sustainable development in the coastal town,” she added.
Makgone continued that through hosting the festival small entrepreneurs like vendors and taxi owners also benefit from the large influx of visitors during that time. The deputy minister also calls on all stakeholders to preserve the ocean and its natural resources.
“The ocean has the potential, through what is offering to drive economic growth and create jobs, thus playing an important role in human survival, hence the need to protect it to sustain its resources,” she concluded.
In his welcoming remarks, Lüderitz mayor Ben McKay said the theme for the 16th edition of the annual crayfish festival, ‘Our Ocean; Our Legacy’ is appropriate in the sense that its hosting is made possible by the continuous granting of the hake quota by the fisheries ministry.
“In addition, the big variety of delicacies available at the festival predominantly consists of seafood,” he said.
The town’s first citizen continued the continuous existence of the event could be attributed to the unwavering support of the line ministry towards the successful hosting of it.
McKay also said the crayfish is derived from the ocean, which is part of its legacy.
“The objective of this festival was solely intended to enjoy the unique scenery, networking between visitors and the ever-friendly community of Lüderitz (known as Buchters),” he explained.
He also reasoned the festival should become the catalyst in the promotion of dialogue between local stakeholders and possible investors through designed networking sessions.
When referring to how the LCFFT board has for the past few months considerably contributed towards socio-economic projects, he mentioned, amongst others, sponsoring sports gear and a sports bonanza event (N$400 000), renovating the old age home and sponsoring lifestyle articles (N$300 000) as well as spoiling the elders with a decent Christmas party in the town (N$150 000).
“This shows that the trust is playing its expected role within the community, whilst more initiatives like this are planned in the future,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders to support the initiative, aimed at boosting the local economy and marketing the town.
Being the biggest sponsor, MTC pledged N$150 000, followed by Standard Bank (N$50 000) and First National Bank (N$40 000).