SWAKOPMUND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

For A Better Swakopmund
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What is the SRA?

The Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) is an association in the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia. It functions as a residents' association, representing the interests and concerns of the local community.

Key aspects of the Swakopmund Residents Association include:

Association's Role: The SRA is a registered association that participates in local authority elections in Swakopmund. It has held seats on the municipal council.

Community Advocacy: Like other residents' associations, the SRA aims to be the voice of the community. It works to address common issues faced by residents, such as service delivery (housing, water, sanitation), infrastructure, and other matters of concern.

What is happening?

Go to our 'News' section to keep up to date with all that is happening in our town and upcoming projects that the SRA is working on.

Become a Member

Joining the SRA means you get a say in what happens in Swakopmund as well as numerous other benefits.

Join the SRA and make your voice heard

What does joining the SRA entail?

We invite you to become a part of the Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) for a nominal fee of only N$100 per year! As an SRA member, you’ll be contributing to the positive changes in our beautiful town, while enjoying exclusive benefits such as:

  • Monthly newsletters filled with community news and updates.
  • Monthly tips for residents to help improve your daily life.
  • Regular updates on developments in Swakopmund.
  • Access to quarterly public meetings where you can have your voice heard.
  • Direct insight into the actions and initiatives SRA is bringing to the Municipality.

Join today and help us continue our mission to make Swakopmund an even better place to live!

Become a Member

Recent Projects

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More About Us

Did you Know?

On the 4 of August 1892 the crew of gunboat ”Hyena” erected two beacons (one at the present location of the Mole and another at the location of the lighthouse) to mark the landing site. This symbolized the laying of the foundation stone of the town.

The first settlers were offloaded from the ”Marie Woermann” (120 Schutztruppe with equipment and 40 settlers) using 4 landing boats. The settlers had to build  ”caves” on the beach to protect themselves against hostile weather. Before the Mole was built all off-loads were carried by special boats which were handled by Kru men (from Liberia). Up to 600 Kru tribesmen were employed by the Woermann Line.

Read more about Swakopmund’s history

Why choose us

Our mission is to create a safe, thriving, and vibrant Swakopmund where residents can flourish. The Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) is a community-driven volunteer group dedicated to achieving this goal. We comprise local residents who are passionate about making a positive impact on our community. We work collaboratively to identify local challenges and develop effective solutions that benefit everyone.

Monthly newsletters filled with community news and updates.

Monthly tips for residents to help improve your daily life.

Regular updates on developments in Swakopmund.

Access to quarterly public meetings where you can have your voice heard.

Direct insight into the actions and initiatives SRA is bringing to the Municipality.

Recent News

HISTORY OF SRA

The Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) was established in 1992 following a change in the Local Authorities Act, which restructured the governance system of Swakopmund. Before this change, the town was divided into wards, each with its own councilor. The shift consolidated the town into one municipal region, and Erich Meyer, who was serving as a councilor at the time, together with other concerned individuals, founded the SRA as a political association to ensure continued representation of the residents’ interests.

Since its inception, the SRA has grown in influence and continues to play a vital role in Swakopmund’s governance. Currently, the association is represented on the Swakopmund Municipality Management Council (MC) by councilors Matthias Henrichsen and Wilfried Groenewald. Their efforts are focused on ensuring that the voices of Swakopmund residents are heard and that the town’s management is held accountable for decisions impacting the community.

The SRA is led by an Executive Committee (Exco) made up of seven office bearers who volunteer their services for one-year terms. The two councilors also attend Exco meetings to provide feedback on how things are progressing at MC level. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to advocate for the rights and well-being of all residents, ensuring a transparent, accountable, and community-driven approach to municipal governance.

FAQ

Is SRA still registered with Electoral Commission?

Yes, we must be registered to have acting councilors in office.

Is SRA registered as a Party or an Organisation

As per our letterhead and name, the SRA is an association and not a party.
We are registered as a political association/organization for regional elections and not a political party, therefore we do not participate in national elections.

Does SRA have to hand in a list of councillors like the list for parliamentarians?

As per our letterhead and name, the SRA is an association and not a party.
We are registered as a political association/organization for regional elections and not a political party, therefore we do not participate in national elections.

Does SRA have to hand in a list of councillors like the list for parliamentarians?

Yes. One needs to distinguish between regional and national elections, as they serve different purposes in terms of office bearers.

According to the LA Act, each political party or political organization/association needs to file a list of 10 potential candidates for the LA of Swakopmund, as 10 seats are available.
Windhoek has a total of 15 seats within their LA and therefore needs to submit a list of 15 candidates.

Parliamentary lists are larger as more seats are available.

Does SRA have a manifesto?

Yes, the SRA has a manifesto which has been shared with members upon request as well as at every AGM.

The manifesto is not only for election purposes, but also guides the SRA in fulfilling their aims and fields of interest to the best of its ability, serving its members and residents within its jurisdiction.

 

SRA MANIFESTO

The Swakopmund Residents Association’s mission is to strive towards the creation of an urban environment wherein all residents of our town can enjoy equal opportunities.

  1. We support the Municipality of Swakopmund to provide the best services possible at an affordable price.
    The SRA strives to support crime prevention programmes wherever possible.
  2. We promote the establishment of effective communication channels between the Local Authority, the Erongo Regional Council and Government so that all parties may be aware of the needs and expectations of the Swakopmund community.
  3. Our aim is to establish effective communication between all parties so that the Swakopmund community is regularly informed of developments.
  4. We encourage interest amongst the community to participate in activities organised by the Local Authority and support the highest standards of ethical conduct by Councillors and Officials of the Swakopmund Municipality.
  5. The SRA promotes social-economic and youth development programmes wherever possible.

Does SRA have a constitution?

Yes, the SRA has a Constitution. You can download a copy here.