Who We Are and What We Do

Background

Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb (DPMT) as part of its corporate social responsibility established the Community Trust in 2010. The Trust came into being on the 4th November 2013, when the former Managing Director of DPMT, Hans Nolte and the first Board of Trustees signed the Trust Deed. Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb Community Trust (DPMTCT), is registered under the Trust Monies Protection Act, 1934 (Act No. 34 of 1934). The Trust endeavors to actively work with its partners, beneficiaries and other key stakeholders to invest in, facilitate and jointly produce mutually valued outcomes and opportunities for the communities in Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region and the Namibian nation at large.

The Trust was founded to serve as a mechanism for investing in the sustainable development of Tsumeb. The Trust was conceived as part of DPMT’s belief of practicing its corporate value of “Community Investment”. With the belief of strengthening the social and economic fabric of Tsumeb, by providing financial support to qualifying beneficiaries.

Furthermore, Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb Community Trust strives to complement the Government of the Republic of Namibia with the attainment of its national development goals such as the National Development Plan (NDP5) and the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), specifically under the pillars of Economic Advancement and Social Progression. Different projects and programmes mostly in the Oshikoto Region have benefited through sponsorships and donations through the Trust.

Emphasis for development is directed towards the underprivileged and most vulnerable communities, while the focus for funding is on education, community health, social upliftment and empowerment, small and medium size enterprise support, youth development, agriculture and environmental initiatives.

The Trust is an autonomous entity guided by a 10-member Board of Trustees and two full-time staff. The two staff members are the Trust Administrator and Assistant, they are

DPMT Community Trust Board with Vice President and Managing Director Mr. Zebra Kasete during the Trustees DPMT Smelter visit.

Local Trustees meeting with the Art Performance Center Management.

responsible for the day to day management of the Trust activities.

DPMTCT continuously engages youth and various stakeholders to find solutions for the issues facing local youth, and with a broader intent to bring about change through sustainable human development of the community at large.

On the 30th of October 2018, the Trust sponsored the first “Youth Conference” in Tsumeb. Several youth centered organizations, about 200 youth from and around Tsumeb gathered for the one-day conference. The Conference was aimed at youth empowerment and was very successful. It attracted high level speakers from the Office of the President and National Youth Council. The following key issues that are faced by the youth were identified during the conference:

• lack of recreational facilities • alcohol and substance abuse • peer pressure • high rate of teenage pregnancy • waiting for handouts • influx of people from other areas in search of employment and educational opportunities • many youth being idle and resorting to crime • mushrooming shebeens and churches causing noise pollution in residential areas In conclusion the conference encouraged the youth to work together, to access and benefit from available opportunities. Many opportunities are missed due to a lack of access to information, self confidence, ignorance and a culture of not being interested in reading. The youth felt that this kind of engagement should continue to ensure behavioural change and develop critical young leaders for a better tomorrow.

DPMT Community Trust Board with Vice President and Managing Director Mr. Zebra Kasete. Courtesy visit from Tsumeb Municipality Twining Partner, Elverum Municipality, Norway.

We at COSDEC Tsumeb are grateful to Dundee for assisting over the past 6 years. Because of their invaluable contributions, we are now an accredited institution and registered with NTA. Dundee assisted us with funds, tools and equipment to extend our training workshop. We are truly humbled.

Ntema Sihela, Centre Manager COSDEC Tsumeb

2019