Greater Waterberg Landscape holds a successful AGM

On the 5th of August, the Greater Waterberg Landscape once again held an annual General Meeting.  At this meeting, a new membership was elected and voted for. The positions of Chairperson, vice-chairperson and representative of the Project Steering Committee was elected to guide the Landscape Management committee (LMC) for the next 12 months.

At a closed meeting, the voting session that was conducted under the watchful eye of the election officer, Ms. Manini Kandume of NAM-PLACE, resulted in the following people being elected:

Chairperson – Kandinda (Unanimous vote)
Vice-chairperson – Katjiveri (Uncontested)
PSC Respresentative – Karita (Unanimous vote)

The new leadership was then introduced at the event that was held at a hall later in the afternoon. At the hall, the members of the landscape community were present to see their leaders and to register any of the dissatisfactions they may have with the LMC.

Even though there were grievances, mostly, people in attendance were more interested in seeing the results of the project in their area. Since inception, not much has been done and the communities would like to see that aspect change.

In his final speech as outging chairperson, Mr. Harry Schneider-Waterberg reported on the activities that were carried out under his leadership. He emphasised the importance of the committee working together in taking full advantage of the opportunities that are presented to the landscape through NAM-PLACE project.  He worked tirelessly towards ensuring that the people of the landscape benefit from the project and that issues of biodiversity are understood and addressed accordingly.

NAM-PLACE is satisfied with the process that took place and welcomes new faces on board. As the NAM-PLACE representative, Ms. Laudika Haluuendo on the LMC gave a financial report on the previous financial year, she also reiterated that the project is looking forward to working with new minds that will enhance operations and continue the base that set by the previous office bearers.

On a very jovial note, Mr. Schneider handed over the reigns to the new chairperson and wished him well in his venture. Harry served the LMC from inception of the project. Even though he remains a member of the LMC, his direction and guidance will be missed.