Mother Christmas rides in…

Swakopmund’s new sports stadium, that still has to be officially inaugurated after being completed nearly two years ago, was packed with children waiting to be spoiled by Swakopmund Mayor, ‘Mother Christmas’ (Germina Shitaleni).

It was received as the surprise it intended to be – ‘Mother Christmas’ arriving at the sports stadium on the back of Swakopmund’s largest fire engine, fitting comfortably in a red and white outfit and ringing a large brass bell.The kids, none apparently older than 10 years, went wild!The act was part of the first-ever Mayor’s Children’s Christmas Party (formerly known as the President’s Children’s Christmas Party), which was officially handed down from Namibia’s President Hifikepunye Pohamba to Shitaleni.She said Christmas this year, although coming early for the children of Swakopmund, is also more significant because it falls within the Year of the Family.’Before the year ends, my office wanted to spend this day with you, the children of Swakopmund, and to share with you in the joy of the festive season before our visitors arrive for their annual holiday,’ Shitaleni said.She said that during this time of the year, many children around the world were suffering and were under threat due to hunger and poverty, disease, war, abandonment, and abuse.’People cannot live without love. They are called to love God and their neighbour, but in order to love properly they must be certain that God loves them,’ she encouraged. ‘Jesus, who’s birthday we are celebrating now, loves you dear children! This is what I want to tell you today. This love must spread to your whole community, and to the whole Swakopmund, through you. Love will then be able to reach those who are most in need of it, especially those that are suffering and abandoned.’The Christmas party included Christmas songs sing-along; performances by various schools; jumping-castles; face-painting; hotdogs and cool drinks and small gift packets – for more than and estimated 2 000 children.