Welcome to the May 2024 edition of our SRA newsletter. Below, you’ll find the highlights and key decisions from our Annual General Meeting and updates on ongoing projects and initiatives.

AGM UPDATE

The Annual General Meeting of the Swakopmund Residents Association was held on Thursday, 7th May 2024, at the Swakopmund Plaza Hotel. The meeting commenced at 18:00, where key matters concerning the community were discussed.

Councilor Wilfried Groenewald presented his report to the public via a detailed slideshow, while Councilor Matthias Henrichsen delivered his report orally. During the Questions & Answers session, it was noted that the debt collection efforts by the Ministry of Safety are progressing well.

Treasurer Rainer Horsthemke presented a comprehensive financial report, which was unanimously understood and accepted by all attendees. The appointment of FCS as auditors, who continue to provide their services free of charge, was confirmed, with the SRA expressing their gratitude.

In the election of the Executive Committee, the current committee was unanimously re-elected for another 12-month period. Additionally, three new members were elected: Rowan van Dyk, Jost Kirsten, and Lienette de Jager. The allocation of portfolios within the ExCo will be finalised in due course. During the election of office bearers, Mr John Hopkins made it known that he was resigning from the ExCo to pursue personal interests. We wish him well in his endeavours. Mr Peter Koep also resigned from the ExCo as the legal representative and Ms Suzanne Frederich will be approached to take up the position of legal representative.

Marketing and fundraising efforts are underway to address visibility limitations identified in survey responses. Councilor Matthias will lead the fundraising ‘Golf Day initiative’, tentatively scheduled for October/November 2024, aiming to fund the 2025 election campaign.

Clarifications are required on specific points in the constitution. Susanne Fredrich has been asked to review these points. Committee members are also tasked with reviewing the manifesto and suggesting changes by the end of June for a special meeting.

Cllr Matthias Henrichsen reported on several issues, including infrastructure, the hiring of animal control officers, and nursery maintenance. The Internal crime meeting which was chaired by Cllr Henrichsen has been handed over to Cllr H Hafeni to continue the initiative to combat crime as a collective from the council’s side and open the platform for all stakeholders to raise their concerns and to discuss action reports. Discussions are ongoing regarding jetty maintenance costs. Debt collection is done by the MOS itself and is progressing well.

Councilor Wilfried Groenewald addressed the needs raised through the Swakopmund Municipality Management Committee meetings which include the ongoing maintenance of dilapidated government buildings. The traffic congestion issues in the CBD and the approval of suburb names were also discussed.

KEY PROJECTS FOR 2024

The Street Based People (SBP) initiative aims to secure funds for NGOs and CCYF, aligning efforts with the “Don’t give in the streets” campaign. A call for expressions of interest for the House of Safety is crucial for the SBP committee.

Membership

There is a strong emphasis on converting followers to members. Updated membership numbers will be presented in the July meeting.

Correspondence

Public complaints should be directed to the MOS CEO’s office, with a copy sent to info@sra.com.na for inclusion in the MOS action list.

General Announcements

The details for the groundbreaking ceremony for the DRC Police station will be shared with committee members. A Facebook survey revealed that 63% of respondents are not SRA members, and the website will be updated to facilitate easier membership joining.

New Executive Committee

Once confirmed Suzanne Frederich will be the legal advisor and an admin person will be appointed to assist the Secretary with the day-to-day administrative duties.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making Swakopmund a better place for all residents. Stay connected with us for more updates and community news.

Warm regards,

The SRA Executive Committee