Informante 14-20 November 2013 | Page 37

INFORMANTÉ |5 14 November - 20 November 2013 Main partner of Oranjemund Town Council NCCI NAMDEB MOU AGREEMENT NAMDEB’s rich history goes as far back as 1920 when diamond-mining companies along the Orange River were amalgamated to form Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM). The town of Oranjemund was established in 1936 to support the mining activities of Namdeb. Following Namibia’s independence, CDM became Namdeb in 1994. In an effort to ensure the existence of the Oranjemund town beyond mining, Namdeb was one of the key stakeholders driving the proclamation process. It was therefore a historical milestone and a joyous occasion for Namdeb when Oranjemund was proclaimed as a town in March 2012. “Namdeb continues to support the newly-established Town Council, and regular meetings are held to ensure sustainability through a smooth transition. Namdeb still continues to render municipal services and maintains the infrastructure of Oranjemund Town,” said Pauline Thomas, brand manager of Namdeb.. She added that Namdeb owns and operates a 37-bed private hospital, which provides associated health services for the benefit of its employees, their dependents, other Oranjemund residents, and the wider community in the south-western corner of Namibia. The company is also the sole owner of Oranjemund Private School, which currently offers pre-primary, primary, junior, and senior secondary education to the Oranjemund community. Oranjemund Private School currently has 835 learners, of which 280 are at the secondary education level. “Following the proclamation of Oranjemund Town, a need was identified to improve communications, so as to advance social development. This led to the commissioning of the Oranjemund Community Radio (O-FM) project. As a key stakeholder, Namdeb sponsored and invested approximately N$400 000 towards the realisation of the establishment of O-FM which was officially launched on 8 February 2013.” Oryx Oranjemund's first-ever Mayor, His Worship Henry Coetzee at the Launch of the Oranjemund Community Radio station According to Thomas the company continues to engage the Oranjemund Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) branch in effort to enhance services provided to the Oranjemund business community. In April 2013, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Namdeb and the NCCI to promote harmonious relationships between the two parties. The annual Oranjemund Diamond Festival is centred on celebrating the key aspects of the town, namely, diamonds, people, and the environment. “This event is one of the highlights of Namdeb’s annual social calendar. Over the years, Namdeb has been a key sponsor and provides the necessary support to the Town Council in ensuring that the event delivers its objectives of uniting the Oranjemund community,” said Thomas. Namdeb’s mission statement states “We produce diamonds profitably, sustainably and responsibly for the benefit of our shareholders and other stakeholders, whilst making a lasting contribution to Namibia” Naftal Negongo Jnr Oranjemund: station manager Community Radio 91.0 MHz FM's – This, statement, according to Thomas underpins Namdeb’s commitment to leave a lasting positive legacy for the town of Or- Oranjemund Private School anjemund and other communities impacted directly by its operations, through socioeconomic development.