SDFN Gobabis Benefits From Corporate Partnership

Groundbreaking event of 11 houses of SDFN in Gobabis, sponsored by Ohorongo Cement ISSUED

The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) launched the construction of 30 houses in Gobabis on 19 April 2023 with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The construction of 11 of these houses were made possible with the support of Ohorongo Cement, FNB, through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, and the Pupkewitz Foundation. 

Carina Sowden, Marketing Manager at Ohorongo Cement, represented the 3 partners at the event. She quoted Albert Einstein who said to “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value,” which is what inspired the three partners to join the SDFN in 2016. 

The partners, sharing the same values, believe that combining forces and resources would add more value than to operate independently.

The partnership delivered, with a total of N$ 18 million invested by the 3 partners resulted in 395 houses being built since 2016, with another 45 under construction for 2023.

During the same event, 57 completed houses were handed over to low-income families in Gobabis.

Hon. Governor Pijoo Nganate themed the days’ activities as a beautiful story of a beautiful Government.  “Partnerships like this bridge the inequality gap within communities. Models such as these should be replicated,” he said. He also donated 100 bags of cement to the Witvlei community to further support the SDFN initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of MURD, Hon. Deputy Minister Natalia /Goagoses congratulated the SDFN for bringing corporates together.  She further applauded them for good corporate governance and transparency in operations, as all funds are accounted for.

MURD committed to donating over N$ 10 million to SDFN as further support from Government towards affordable housing. “In the same breath, while officially handing over the 57 houses, she highlighted that the partnership ties in well with Harambee Prosperity Plan and NDP5 and should be applauded. “A people united will achieve, but a divided people will fall. Government cannot do it alone,” she said.

Heinrich Amushila, NHAG Co-Director, noted that the Freedom Square Informal Settlement in Gobabis delivered the highest number of plots and in Namibia at large.

Sowden further complimented the Government of the Republic of Namibia’s efforts to ensure a boost in housing stock through its Mass Housing Development Programme, and the Massive Urban Land Servicing Programme. “These efforts give us more reason to join hands in pursuing a common destiny that is inspired by true patriotism,” she said. 

From the beginning, the partners wanted to inspire others in the Private Sector to support such initiatives such as the SDFN. The partnership enables SDFN to build more houses throughout the country and restore dignity, which gives true meaning to the partners’ slogan: 

From Shack to Shelter, Together We Achieve More!