Click here to download the Arandis Sustainable Development Project Review and Planning Report
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Click here to download the Arandis Sustainable Development Brochure
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The sustainability of Arandis Town Council (ATC) is highly dependent on the sound leadership and management of its Councilors and employees. The Rössing Foundation has therefore undertaken to support capacity strengthening of thirty four (34) staff members through leadership interventions (21 Technical department staff members, 7 Finance department staff members and 6 Administration department staff members). This intervention has brought about a mind set and attitude change among trained employees. The intervention target for 2009 was exceeded by 14 employees which is a sign of commitment on the part of ATC in sharpening their leadership and management skills in order to manage the town of Arandis sustainably. The ATC started with interventions that addressed succession planning and the promotion of a high performance culture through the performance management system (PMS). Four managers and three supervisors have signed off performance agreements and the PMS is being implemented. Seven (7) Town Councilors completed a three series leadership training course and their governance capacity was enhanced. The Rössing Foundation initiated a women's empowerment programme which supports women who produce crafts. Thirtyone women completed the beadwork course to become skilled craft producers. Three trainees qualified for training as trainers of others in beadwork and they are destined to in turn, roll out the training to other interested community members. Both the Rössing Foundation and Community Skills and Development Centres are currently working on a marketing strategy for the project. These products are only sold locally at the moment, but the potential to produce for the wider tourist market does exist.

The following competencies were acquired by these 7 councilors:

• Self realization in terms of roles and responsibilities;
• Critical thinking and decision making skills;
• Self control and respect for others.

The leadership and succession planning interventions for ATC staff have brought about tangible results owing to changes in mindset and attitude among employees. The capacitybuilding interventions at the Town Council led the Heads of Departments to conduct a rootcause analysis which resulted in action plans to mitigate critical problems within the Council.