ONGWEDIVA: Businesses operating in northern Namibia on Monday donated N.dollars 104 500 to the President’s Charity Fund.
Seventeen businesses made donations to the fund, with First National Bank of Namibia (FNB) making the biggest donation of N.dollars 20 000, while Chico Building Supply and Fysal Fresh Produce donated N.dollars 10 000 each.
Amounts ranging between N.dollars 2 500 and N.dollars 5 000 were donated by a number of other businesses.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba received the donations at the official launch of the Erastus Shapumba Foundation, which took place at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF).
The foundation will support less privileged students who are studying in ‘crucial’ fields such as accounting, sport and engineering.
The Head of State turned 77 last week and has become habit, local newspapers were filled with congratulatory advertisements.
President Pohamba announced via a media statement last week that he would rather have funds channelled to charity causes instead of it being spent on newspaper advertisements congratulating him on his birthday.
“The office of the President has been inundated with requests from both corporate organisations and individuals for information on where to make such contributions,” said the statement.
The President’s Charity Fund was accordingly opened to receive these contributions, which will be donated to charity organisations of Pohamba’s choice in all 13 regions.
Pohamba was born on 18 August 1935. He is the second President of Namibia.