ABOUT
EMF Namibia Foundation was founded in 2025 by Elisabeth and Markus Friesacher. It is especially dedicated to supporting the San, the oldest documented people of Africa. Through targeted support in education, health, agriculture and art, the Foundation creates opportunities for a self-determined and more equitable future for San communities in Namibia.
The work of the EMF Namibia Foundation is based on respect, dialogue and sustainable cooperation with local people. The goal is to improve living conditions through targeted, structured support in five core areas: education, language, health, agriculture and art.
Currently, the EMF Namibia Foundation is focusing on San settlements in the Donkerbos area, a remote region in the Kalahari on the border between Namibia and Botswana.
The San People
An ancient culture between exclusion and hope
The San, also known as "Bushmen," are the oldest known ethnic group in Africa. Their culture, language, and knowledge of nature are among humanity's most valuable heritage. Today, many San live on the margins of society, often without access to education, medical care, or employment opportunities. They face the consequences of discrimination, poverty, and loss of identity.
Alfred Weidinger
Connecting cultures and promoting indigenous art
Alfred Weidinger, renowned cultural manager and museum director, has been committed to the preservation and promotion of indigenous cultures for years. With his extensive experience in the international art scene and his dedication to cultural exchange, he has initiated numerous projects that connect traditional craftsmanship and contemporary art. Through his work with the San people, he not only creates new economic perspectives but also contributes to the revival and appreciation of their cultural identity.
ALEXANDER KÖCK
Ambassadors of craftsmanship and cultural identity
Alexander Köck, production manager and authorized signatory at Gmundner Keramik, combines traditional craftsmanship with intercultural dialogue. As a workshop leader, he not only imparts technical skills in ceramic art but also promotes creative self-expression within the San community. Through his commitment, independent artworks emerge that go far beyond folkloric reproductions and open up a self-determined economic perspective for the San people.
DONATE
Every donation not only strengthens the livelihood of the San people but also contributes to the cultural self-assertion of this community. This enables San children to attend school, provides young women with language skills, secures medical care, passes on agricultural knowledge, and promotes artistic talents.
Ways to contribute:
-
Monthly donation or one-time donation:
Company Name: EMF Namibia Foundation
Adress of the company: Hellbrunner Straße 7, 5081 Anif
Bankname: Raiffeisenverband Salzburg
Bankadress: Schwarzstraße 13-15, 5020 Salzburg
IBAN: AT03 3500 0000 0097 6175
Swift/BIC code: RVSAAT2S -
Project sponsorship
-
Referral to networks or sponsors
CONTACT
PARTNER
Gmundner Lodge (Namibia)
Logistical base for project support, medical care, course rooms and accommodation for workshop leaders.
Gmundner Keramik (Upper Austria)
Technological and artistic knowledge transfer, provision of materials and international distribution network for the ceramic works.
IMPRINT
EMF NAMIBIA FOUNDATION
Association Register Extract as of June 5, 2025
Jurisdiction: District Administrative Authority Salzburg-Umgebung, Association Authority
ZVR-Number: 1702962742
Name: EMF Namibia Foundation, Verein zur Hilfe in Namibia
Sitz: Anif
Chairwoman: Elisabeth Friesacher
Deputy Chairwoman: KR Markus Friesacher
Secretary: Dr. Michael Ebner
Treasurer: Alexander Köck
Project Manager: Alfred Weidinger
Wasserfeldstraße 20
5020 Salzburg
kontakt@emf-namibia-foundation.com
Board & Managing Director:
Elisabeth Friesacher
Bank details for donations
Account holder: Elisabeth Eder - EMF Namibia Foundation
Company Name: EMF Namibia Foundation
Adress of the company: Hellbrunner Straße 7, 5081 Anif
Bankname: Raiffeisenverband Salzburg
Bankadress: Schwarzstraße 13-15, 5020 Salzburg
IBAN: AT03 3500 0000 0097 6175
Swift/BIC code: RVSAAT2S
You can have a donation that has already been debited refunded by your bank at any time within 8 weeks. The SEPA direct debit will be collected at the next possible time. The mandate reference will be announced with the first collection of the contribution.
Design, concept and implementation:
BRILLIANT Communications Consulting GmbH
Privacy Policy:
On these pages, no personalized data about visitors is stored beyond the scope of a normal log file. We explicitly do not share any data with third parties from which identities or addresses of any kind can be derived.
Email of the data protection office: kontakt@emf-namibia-foundation.com Imprint of the data protection office: kontakt@emf-namibia-foundation.com
Legal form
Charitable foundation under Austrian law
Legal Regulations
Austrian Association Law; Access via the Federal Legal Information System (RIS)
Disclaimer & Copyright
EMF Namibia Foundation strives to provide correct and complete information on this website within reasonable limits, but assumes no guarantee for the currentness, correctness, and completeness of the information provided on this website. EMF Namibia Foundation also assumes no liability for direct or indirect damages, regardless of the legal basis, that could result from accessing or using the website, particularly from infection with viruses or from using the information offered on the website. This website may include links to other websites, over whose content the operators of this website have no influence. Therefore, they cannot be held liable for the content of the respective websites. The operators of this website reserve the right to modify or update the information on the website at any time without prior notice. EMF Namibia Foundation respects the copyrights of others. Content and works created by the site operators on these pages are subject to Austrian copyright law. Third-party contributions are marked as such. The reproduction, distribution, and any kind of utilization outside the boundaries of copyright law require written consent from the respective rights holder.
Copyright Notice
All contents of this website (images, photos, texts, videos) are subject to copyright. Please ask us before you distribute, reproduce, or utilize the contents of this website, such as republishing on other websites. If necessary, we will legally pursue the unauthorized use of parts of the contents of our site. If you find content on this website that violates copyright, please contact us.
Image Credits
The images, photos, and graphics on this website are protected by copyright. The image rights belong to: ©Gmundner Lodge George Waid
Google Analytics
This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google Inc. ("Google"). Google Analytics uses so-called "cookies", text files that are stored on your computer and that enable an analysis of your use of the website. The information generated by the cookie about your use of this website (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the USA. Google will use this information to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports on website activities for the website operators, and to provide other services related to website and internet usage. Google may also transfer this information to third parties if required by law or if third parties process this data on behalf of Google. Google will in no case associate your IP address with other data held by Google. You can prevent the installation of cookies by adjusting your browser software accordingly; however, we point out that in this case, you may not be able to use all functions of this website to their full extent. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above. You may object to the collection and storage of data at any time with effect for the future. For more information about Google's privacy policy, please visit the Google Analytics website.