Windhoek launched 2026 Mayoral clean-up campaign with support from MTC’s
Mobile Telecommunications Ltd (MTC), in continued partnership with the City of Windhoek, reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by availing N$450 000 for the procurement of 4000 reusable shopping bags and the rollout of an awareness campaign under the “Go Green, Skip the Plastic” initiative.
The campaign seeks to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bags and encourage residents to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly habits. The 4000 reusable bags will be distributed during clean-up activities across all constituencies in Windhoek, as well as at shopping malls and commercial centres throughout the city. MTC’s Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Tim Ekandjo, emphasised the importance of collective action and behavioural change in achieving meaningful environmental impact, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“For us to safeguard and sustain the environment, it requires behavioural change and concerted efforts from all stakeholders,” said Ekandjo.
He further warned that the continuous use of plastic bags poses significant environmental risks.
“We therefore call and urge all residents to actively participate, reduce littering, and take pride in building cleaner and greener communities. Protecting the environment should not be optional; it is essential not only for our collective future, but for generations to come. We must preserve it,” he added.
Ekandjo noted that over the past few years, MTC has supported the City of Windhoek’s Clean City initiatives with investments exceeding N$1 million. These initiatives include school-based clean-up campaigns, tree-planting activities, and the Waste Sorting at Source pilot project in Katutura. Windhoek Mayor, Sakarias Uunona, commended MTC for its continued support and urged both public and private sectors to join the movement to restore Windhoek’s status as Africa’s cleanest city.
“We commend MTC. Thank you for walking with us on this shared vision to create a safe and clean city for our people. Your support is exemplary and inspirational. I therefore call on more public and private partners to align with clean city initiatives and join the movement of harnessing and sustaining a safe and clean environment for all,” he said. He expressed gratitude for the donation of 4000 reusable shopping bags valued at over N$300 000, promoting reusable alternatives, the campaign aims to reduce waste, nurture responsible consumer habits and strengthen environmental awareness within communities.
Uunona encouraged residents to actively utilise reusable bags and embrace sustainable lifestyle choices that minimise environmental impact. He also extended an invitation to stakeholders, businesses, and community groups to partner with the City, noting that the Mayoral Clean-Up Campaign will continue across all constituencies until 17 October 2026.
“Every contribution, whether financial, material, or through active involvement, plays a meaningful role in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable Windhoek,” he said.
Reflecting on the city’s past achievements, Uunona noted that between 2005 and 2014, Windhoek was widely recognised as Africa’s cleanest city. However, in recent years, the city has experienced a decline in these rankings, with Kigali in Rwanda now widely regarded as leading. He attributed Kigali’s success to strong political commitment, effective governance, and collective community participation, highlighting the Umuganda initiative, a legally institutionalised monthly clean-up day where citizens, including national leaders, dedicate time to improving their communities.
The Mayor pointed out that Windhoek’s decline in ranking is linked to rapid population growth, the expansion of municipal boundaries, and the increasing number of informal settlements, all of which place considerable strain on municipal service delivery and waste management systems. According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census conducted by the Namibia Statistics Agency, Windhoek’s population has grown from approximately 340 000 residents in 2011 to around 486 186. Informal settlements are expanding at an annual rate of approximately 8.2%, with an estimated 224,000 residents currently living in these areas.
This population segment is projected to double every 11 years, compared to 21 years for the overall city population. As the campaign gets underway, the Mayor called on residents, community organisations, media partners, educational institutions and the private sector to spread the message of responsible waste management and to instil a culture of environmental pride, particularly among the youth.
“Together, let us reclaim our rightful position as Africa’s cleanest capital city, not merely for recognition, but for the health, dignity, and pride of every resident. Windhoek is our home. Let us keep it clean,” he concluded.
