For the first time in Namibia’s history, Namibians came together to celebrate and recognize philanthropy. In a country where criticism is rife, Project Never Walk Alone initiated The Great50 Pledge initiative that celebrates 50 of Namibia’s Most Giving Individuals.

These individuals were carefully selected by the PNWA Team based on their contribution to society. The event therefore celebrated their giving spirit, their love for humanity and their willingness to lift others with their deeds.

Project Never Walk Alone operates solely on the support of corporates and individuals, and because of the generous support they have enjoyed so far, they wanted to inspire a culture of appreciation, and celebrate individuals who promote the spirit of humanity. Speaking at the opening at the event, Founder and Servant Tim Ekandjo said “We believe that individuals have the power to change the world and even more so, when we unite for a common course.

We want to promote the concept of individual social responsibility that inspires the moral belief that as individuals, we have to make decisions that is always in the interest and greater good of society. We can assure you, that every of the 50 recipients that we will celebrate tonight have at some point in their life’s been criticized or insulted for something they did or didn’t do.

There is only one way to avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing and be nothing, but that is not the Namibia and Africa we want to create” Ekandjo reiterated that it is not the critic who counts, not the woman who points out how the strong woman stumbles, or where the doer of the deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming, but who does actually strive to do the deeds, who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotions, who spends herself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if she fails, at least fail while daring greatly, so at her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Afterall, no statue was every built-in honor of the critic. The event brought together 340 guests at a well-organized black-tie recognition dinner filled with memorable opera performances and inspirational poetry.

The Great50 Pledge initiative raised an amount of N$3 million from 30 of the 50 participants who each pledged an amount of N$100,000 on a voluntary basis. A further N$138,000 was raised from pledges by attendees bringing the total amount raised on the night to N$3,138,000, a generous amount enough to provide 10,000 pairs of shoes this year. Amongst the highlights of the event was the fact that all three of Namibia’s Presidents were honoured for their contribution to humanity. Herewith the full Great50 recipients.

His Excellency, President Dr Hage Geingob, His Excellency Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, His Excellency & Founding Father Dr Sam Nujoma, Madame First Lady Monica Geingos, Madame Former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, Hon Helmut Angula, Dr Helena Ndume, Dr Quinton van Rooyen, Amos Shiyuka, Dr Frans Indongo, Ingah Ekandjo, Immanuel Mulunga, Johny Doeseb, Elia Shikongo, Vaino Nghipondoka, Sam SHIVUTE, Prof David Namwandi, Frank Fredericks, Titus Nakuumba, Usko Nghaamwa, Deon Hotto, Philip Hikumwah, Mercia Geises, Martin Inkumbi, Tumi Khumalo, Florian Amulungu, Reagon Graig, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, Alisa Amupolo, Nico Kaiyamo, Sharonice Busch, Jerry Muadinohamba, Ferdinand Nghiyolwa, Patrick Kauta, Richard Hoff, Penny Endjala, Michelle McLean, Emanuel Sihlahla, Thomas Shilongo, Patty Karuaihe-Martin, Meryl Barry, Wiseman Anyala, Julius Nyamazana, Sisa Namandje, Lazarus Jacobs, Dr Eseperance Luvindao, Mavis Elias, Tomas Iindji and David Namalenga.

The 50th recipient was given to the late John Akapandi Endjala in an emotional tribute for his contribution to humanity. As part of the celebration, the Project also launched.

The Great50 Pledge magazine that is freely

available in hardcopy and in e-format that tells the stories of each of the 50 recipients.