Hertta-Maria AmutenjaÂ
The Association of Diplomatic Spouses (ADS), representing spouses of accredited diplomats stationed in Namibia, is reaching out to the City of Windhoek to help identify education-focused projects and organisations that could benefit from funds raised through its recent charity initiatives.
During a courtesy visit on Tuesday, ADS president Matthias Geisler and former president Lamia Lotfy met with Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja to discuss collaboration on distributing proceeds from the 2025 International Day Diplomatic Charity Bazaar.
The event, held in April, raised over N$200,000, with a maximum of N$50,000 allocated per beneficiary.
Geisler explained that the ADS was established at Namibia’s independence to promote cultural exchange, international understanding, and support charitable causes across the country.
The association is now seeking the city’s guidance in selecting suitable education projects to receive the funds.
The association also proposed a formal partnership with the municipality to co-host and plan the 2026 edition of the charity bazaar, which is expected to attract more than 3,000 attendees.
The association is currently looking for a city-owned venue large enough to accommodate the event’s growing scale.
Mayor Larandja welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation between the city and ADS, noting that the association had previously engaged with former mayor Joseph Uapingene in 2023.
Both parties agreed to draft a formal agreement to ensure coordinated efforts ahead of next year’s event.
The meeting was aimed at strengthening ties between the diplomatic community and local development initiatives in Windhoek.
The ADS representatives said they will submit a formal proposal for collaboration, while the city will recommend eligible education projects for funding from the 2025 bazaar proceeds.
