Dismal turnout at trade fair fundraiser
The Rundu town council received pledges of only N$142 000 at a fundraising dinner for the town's annual trade fair on Friday.
The event was held to secure funds for the financially struggling council, which plans to host its annual trade show from 28 October to 2 November.
Last year the council failed to host the trade fair because it was preoccupied with leadership squabbles and financial burdens, a situation that left many residents disappointed.
Although the organisers described Friday's fundraiser as a success, some of the donors expressed disappointment, as state-owned enterprises, large businesses and financial institutions did not show up.
They argue that Rundu, as the second largest town in Namibia with a population of about 90 000, is home to hundreds of businesses that benefit from the town's huge buying power, yet the council raised a mere N$142 000.
“We all know that a lot is happening at the Rundu town council but for big businesses not to show up and pledge towards the trade fair is disappointing.
“It is not about the Rundu town council but it is about giving back to the community and developing Rundu,” one of the donors said on condition of anonymity.
The chairperson of the Kavango East regional council, John Thiguru, also expressed concern about the poor turnout at the dinner.
First National Bank and Standard Bank were the largest sponsors with pledges of N$45 000 and N$40 000 respectively.
The 2019 Rundu Trade Fair will be held with the theme 'Enhancing Trade for Socio-Economic Prosperity'.
KENYA KAMBOWE
The event was held to secure funds for the financially struggling council, which plans to host its annual trade show from 28 October to 2 November.
Last year the council failed to host the trade fair because it was preoccupied with leadership squabbles and financial burdens, a situation that left many residents disappointed.
Although the organisers described Friday's fundraiser as a success, some of the donors expressed disappointment, as state-owned enterprises, large businesses and financial institutions did not show up.
They argue that Rundu, as the second largest town in Namibia with a population of about 90 000, is home to hundreds of businesses that benefit from the town's huge buying power, yet the council raised a mere N$142 000.
“We all know that a lot is happening at the Rundu town council but for big businesses not to show up and pledge towards the trade fair is disappointing.
“It is not about the Rundu town council but it is about giving back to the community and developing Rundu,” one of the donors said on condition of anonymity.
The chairperson of the Kavango East regional council, John Thiguru, also expressed concern about the poor turnout at the dinner.
First National Bank and Standard Bank were the largest sponsors with pledges of N$45 000 and N$40 000 respectively.
The 2019 Rundu Trade Fair will be held with the theme 'Enhancing Trade for Socio-Economic Prosperity'.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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