SWAKOPMUND – Zerolda Dantu, a resident of the Democratic Resettlement Community and a candidate for the United Democratic Front for the upcoming Swakopmund constituency by-election, dreams of making her community better and to stand out just like any other suburb here.
The 38-year-old mother of two boys, who is currently employed at the Dome as a housekeeper, says she knows the struggle her community faces. She thus wants to do everything in her power to bring changes for DRC residents and the homeless community, as well as the youth of the town.
“I want to set an example for everyone in informal settlements and eliminate shacks from our communities, as I know how it feels to live in a shack. I know the prayers that we send every day out of fear of shack fires. That is why I decided to stand in the by-elections. My people’s lives matter,” Dantu stressed.
She will also dedicate her time in office to serve the underprivileged, poor and needy communities of Swakopmund, while at the same time advocating for affordable houses for all residents.
Dantu is one of the eight candidates who are standing for the Swakopmund by-election, slated for this coming Friday.
“If elected into office, I will come up with strategies to build a shelter to house our homeless and street children so that they can rebuild their lives until they can get back on their feet,” she added.
As a community leader, her heart bleeds for those enduring the coastal weather while begging for money or food on street corners.
Therefore, she wants to build a state-managed shelter home, a project which will be implemented in collaboration with the health ministry, gender equality ministry and local stakeholders “so that our people can become productive citizens”.
She said a feeding scheme will be an additional project, which she aims to pursue towards the eradication of hunger and poverty in the town.
“Proper nutrition is the main contributing factor to productivity. However, due to the harsh economic situation of our country, many families are unable to afford proper nutritional meals for their children.
This affects their performances in school. Therefore, my office will create a feeding scheme at schools and for the needy communities. I believe this will also help those in need, especially the street kids,” she added.