Allexer Namundjembo
The chief of the Nama Traditional Authority in South Africa, Gert Links, has announced plans to replicate and expand the successful Tsumkwe Community Cleaning Campaign in South African communities, following a five-day oversight and learning visit to the settlement earlier this month.
Links, accompanied by councillor Petrus De Wet, visited Tsumkwe from 1 to 5 June to assess the community-driven initiative, which is supported by the Palms For Life Fund.
The visit aimed to provide firsthand insight into the campaign’s implementation and explore opportunities for adapting the model across the border.
Speaking during the visit, Links praised the campaign’s impact and expressed excitement about introducing a similar initiative in South Africa.
“We are inspired by what we have seen in Tsumkwe. Our goal is not only to replicate this campaign but also to incorporate recycling initiatives that can turn waste into useful products such as toys and other items that create income opportunities for households,” he said.
The delegation engaged with community leaders, government representatives, and campaign participants to learn about the project’s structure and the role of community ownership in ensuring its success.
During a practical demonstration of the campaign, the visitors observed cleaning teams operating three mornings a week.
The process begins with identifying areas requiring attention, followed by waste collection and temporary storage.
The initiative has become a model of community participation and environmental stewardship.
Links also delivered a motivational message to campaign members, urging them to embrace the project as more than a temporary source of employment.
“Do not view yourselves merely as labourers. Take psychological ownership of this initiative because your daily efforts are directly shaping the health and future development of your community,” he told participants.
He emphasised that community members are the primary drivers of change and play a critical role in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.
As part of the campaign, participating teams receive monthly hampers valued at N$1,000 and sponsored by Palms For Life as tokens of appreciation.
The packages include food items and essential toiletries, serving as recognition for the volunteers’ contribution to community well-being.
The South African delegation also met with chief Tsamkxao #Oma Bobo of the Ju/‘hoansi traditional authority and officials from the Tsumkwe settlement office to discuss the origins and implementation of the cleaning campaign.
According to the traditional authority, the initiative was presented to their office before implementation, with representatives actively involved from the planning phase through to its launch.
“Traditional leadership remains committed to mobilising communities and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment,” a representative of the traditional authority said during discussions.
The Tsumkwe settlement office highlighted additional benefits of the project, noting that improved waste management reduces dependence on external waste collection services and lowers associated costs.
The oversight mission demonstrated how community-led initiatives can strengthen local ownership, sustainability, and resilience.
Delegates identified opportunities to enhance the model through recycling and other income-generating activities, potentially transforming waste management into a tool for economic empowerment.
The planned expansion of the initiative into South Africa marked an important step in cross-border knowledge sharing and collaboration between traditional authorities, local government institutions, and development partners committed to improving community well-being.
