-
The Municipality of Walvis Bay is proud to announce that His Worship, the Mayor of Walvis Bay, Cllr. Trevino Forbes, was honoured with the Excellence Award for Outstanding Public Servant – Mayor of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Local Authorities Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (LASRAC) Ecosystem Awards, hosted by the Association for Local Authorities in Namibia.
In addition, the Municipality of Walvis Bay received national recognition with the Outstanding Municipality Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Community Impact Award of the Year 2024, celebrating its unwavering commitment to social development and community empowerment.
1. Mayoral Relief Fund Community Impact
Mayor Forbes was recognised for his visionary leadership and impactful community work through the Mayoral Relief Fund, which supports residents of Walvis Bay in distress (2021-2024). With a total of N$2,392,277.08 reinvested into the community sourced through partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising galas the fund has achieved the following:
– Infrastructure Development (KM Old Age Home): N$675,361.61
– Student Funding (8 students + Topnaar youth at NIMT): N$702,138.00
-Youth Development (JCC & Topnaar Youth): N$156,993.36
– Early Childhood Development (Penombili & Promise Land): N$55,323.07
– Skills Training (Poultry Training): N$5,602.34
– Senior Citizens Support: N$912,123.00
– General Community Assistance: N$40,300.00
– Medical Assistance: N$54,558.70
2. Municipal Excellence in Sports, Arts, and Culture
The Outstanding Municipality Community Impact Award was awarded in recognition of the transformative work led by Mr Daniel Mouton, Head: Sports, Arts, Youth and Culture, who played a key role in establishing the Sports Hub for Playtime Youth Development Trust (PYDT).
Once a vandalised and neglected tennis court used for illicit activities, the area has been revitalised into a thriving sports and development centre in Kuisebmond. Key outcomes include:
-Increased community involvement and participation
– Youth empowerment through training and recreation
– Promotion of social equity and inclusion
– Support for mental health and well-being post-COVID-19
– Job creation through programmes and partnerships
The Sports Hub now serves:
– 50 pre-school children
– 100 cricket players
– 200 soccer players
– 60 out-of-school youth daily
These accolades underscore Walvis Bay’s commitment to building resilient, empowered, and inclusive communities.
