Anglo American recently demonstrated its continued commitment to the social development of southern Namibia by helping to fund two projects in the town of Luderitz. In partnership with the Luderitz Town Council and Rotary Club International, the Anglo American Namibia Foundation contributed N$ 458,000 to upgrade a stadium and build a playground for the children of the town.

In June 2013 the upgraded Nautilus Sports Stadium was handed over to the Luderitz community. The stadium was in need of an upgrade after the town won the bid to host the Namibia Local Authority Sport Recreation Association (Nalasra) Games. Anglo American contributed N$358,000 toward the N$1,6 million cost of the project, with the Luderitz Town Council contributing the rest.

The Nautilus sports facility will also become the hub of a new recreation centre for the youth of Luderitz. Councillor Susan Ndajaleka, the mayor of the town, expressed her delight with the new facilities and hoped that they will be used by the town’s people. “A place to go to be physically active and safe at the same time was always a challenge in our community. But this new stadium gives us a space to come together as a community to get healthy.”

The next day the group of dignitaries watched as a group of beaming children clambered over and around new playground equipment that has been installed in a revamped park in the Benguela neighbourhood of Luderitz. The new park is built on the land donated by the town council, with financial assistance from the Anglo American Namibia Foundation to the value of N$ 100,000 – and the Rotary Clubs of Claremont donating N$ 25,000 - and Offenburg, Germany contributing N$ 60,000.

The park is now a safe space for children who would otherwise be playing on the streets. Councillor Ndajaleka said the smiles on the faces of the children spoke volumes. “Thanks to Anglo American’s donation, the community is now provided with a resource that will see their children play in a safe environment and families enjoying valuable recreational space that was previously unavailable.”

Richard Cook, coordinator of the Namibia Foundation concludes that these projects are part of Anglo American’s ongoing involvement with Namibian communities to contribute towards social, educational and emotional betterment of Namibia’s youth.

“We are committed to empowering local communities and inspiring young people to be engaged citizens.  We therefore believe that this park will create positive social change as it will not only enhance the quality of the neighbourhood but more importantly, it will enhance the quality of life of Luderitz residents. Parents can now encourage their children to adopt the park as their own backyard, which allows them to play outside in a safe environment.”