Happy birthday from Ohlthaver & List

Executive Chairman Sven Thieme and all employees of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group of Companies join in wishing the Namibian nation a happy 24th Independence celebration. In a media statement, Thieme reflected on the past 24 years with a sense of hope, trust, excitement and joy as Namibia has evolved into a young model nation relentless in her pursuit of economic freedom. Thieme said one of the greatest challenges the Namibian government was faced with post-apartheid has been the creation of a new nation free of any discrimination. When looking at the biggest achievements of the government, Thieme said: “While there are many other achievements such as infrastructure upgrades, it is the creation of a stable, peaceful and harmonious nation that is most dear to me.” Thieme expressed his support and commitment to taking the education and health sectors to the next level, as “these two are vital for a healthy, happy and educated nation that will ensure the future sustainability of our beautiful country and her beautiful people”. He went on to say that one of his dreams for Namibia remains the empowerment of all Namibians through the exploitation of their full potential, which gives everyone the power to do almost anything. “Once we all believe that we can make a difference and can co-lead our country, anything and everything is possible. This would lead to poverty eradication where everyone is healthy, educated and has a belief in the future that can be most self-fulfilling. In the famous words of American President John. F. Kennedy, ‘ask not what your country can do for you, but what can we do for our country?” Within the O&L Group of Companies, Thieme said that the biggest challenge has been to convert the company from operating in a fairly protected environment into being able to compete globally. Among the Group’s achievements, he counts the creation of the Mwenyopaleka culture as looking after the O&L people is integral to the Group’s success: “It is a culture that inspires by its purpose and values and thereby can achieve extraordinary milestones.” In the short term, the O&L Group has the clear ‘Vision 2017’ which aims to be the most progressive and inspiring company with its supporting vision metrics of generating a N$2 billion EBIT; creating an additional 2 500 employment opportunities; remaining an employer of choice; and having a positive impact on the carbon footprint. When asked about the Group’s long-term goals, Thieme said: “Everything we do in O&L is aligned and in support of the National Vision 2030. With our purpose ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’, which we passionately drive, we aim to contribute significantly to our dreams and the realisation of the National Vision.” In conclusion, Thieme advises the Namibian nation: “Let us list the items we can be thankful for over the last 24 years. Let us dream what else we can be thankful for in the future - thereby taking our nation step by step to the next level. A thankful heart is a happy heart. Let us cheer to another great year - Happy Birthday Namibia!”