Clean Skip Competition Drives Community-Led Waste Reform in Windhoek

Clean Skip Competition Drives Community-Led Waste Reform in Windhoek. The City of Windhoek’s Solid Waste Management Division marked a significant milestone with the official prize handover ceremony for the Clean Skip Competition 2025, an initiative designed to strengthen community involvement in waste management and environmental care.

The programme forms part of the broader Mayoral Clean City Initiative and is supported through grant funding from the European Union and the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen. It aims to reshape waste management behaviour by empowering residents to take collective responsibility for their surroundings.

Acting Chief of Solid Waste Management, Mr. Gideon Hengari, welcomed Mayor Councillor Ndeshihalefa Larandja and other stakeholders, highlighting the real impact of the initiative: community ownership. The competition mobilised self-organised oversight committees that monitored 32 skip sites across Windhoek’s North-Western suburbs. These committees ensured cleanliness, encouraged responsible disposal, and helped transform previously neglected areas into cleaner and safer community spaces.

The Havana Four Way committee took home the top prize of N$12 000. Committee representative Joseph Nelenge reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining environmental standards, noting their continued efforts to contribute towards Windhoek’s long-term goal of becoming one of Africa’s cleanest cities.

The event also recognised the private sector’s essential role in supporting environmental programmes. The Ohlthaver & List Group sponsored the first prize, Plastic Packaging sponsored the second prize, and Shoprite supported the third prize—each receiving certificates of appreciation for their contribution. Plastic Packaging’s Mr. Rowan Swartz expressed the company’s dedication to backing initiatives that promote recycling and responsible waste management.

Following the pilot programme’s success, city officials confirmed that the initiative will be expanded in 2026. The competition has not only rewarded winners but also strengthened a culture of environmental pride, accountability, and shared responsibility among residents.