The Legacy Continues

Namibian diamonds are a finite resource, inextricably linked to the health and prosperity of the communities impacted by mining operations.In this feature of the Legacy Continues series, we explore how Namdeb invests in a better tomorrow through its ongoing commitment of supporting avenues that create the foundation for a diversified economy in the town of Oranjemund andthereby enabling a sustainable future.This subsequently contributes to satisfying aspirations pertaining to the Building Forever pillar of Partnering for Thriving Communities.TOWN TRANSFORMATIONAfter the discovery of diamonds near the Orange River, Oranjemund was established in 1936 exclusively to address the accommodation requirements of employees to support mining activities. In addition to providing accommodation, the mine also provided all other servicesincluding education and medical services. Following Namibia’s independence, Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM), which operated these diamond mining operations, formed a new partnership with the Namibian Government and Namdeb was formed in 1994. The proclamation of Oranjemund was approved on the 8th of July 2003 by Cabinet as a self-sustaining town to facilitate diversified and sustainableeconomic development. The Oranjemund Town Management Company was established in July 2004 to act as a forerunner of the local authority to be formed after proclamation. Oranjemund was proclaimed as a Local Authority in 2012 and the town was officially opened on the 21 October 2017. Further to proclamation, Namdeb collaborated with the Oranjemund Town Council and the wider community of the town to develop what is known as the Oranjemund Town Transformation Strategy and Plan. The strategy aims to normalise Oranjemund from a Namdeb owned and managed town which is dependent on mining, to a normal, self-sustaining town with a diversified economy.The Town Transformation strategy has three focus areas: Transfer (the transfer of the municipal services and infrastructure to the Oranjemund Town Council (OTC) and normalizing private property ownership), Transition (normalizing healthcare and education in town), and Transform (enabling economic diversification of the economy of the town to become sustainable beyond mining). The strategy has to date resulted in the OTC taking over the ownership, management and responsibilities of all municipal infrastructure and services in the town; enabled the sale of residential properties to private individuals and the establishment of a public primary and a public secondary school through collaboration between Namdeb and the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture.The Town Transformation strategy also further provided for the establishment of the OMDis Town Transfer Agency (OMDis) and the OMD 2030 community organisation. Both companies are registered as Section 21 companies (notfor-profit) and operate independentlyfrom each other and were established to drive the strategy in collaboration with the OTC and Namdeb. Furthermore, OMDisand OMD 2030 are governed by their own independent boards but are currently still financially reliant on Namdeb.OMDisOMDis has made significant progress in executing the Town Transformation strategy. Some of the key developments include the development of a funding strategy to guide investment opportunities. Another project, that has proven to be beneficial is the managementof a Nursery that explores the viability of growing various vegetables. OMDis continues to investigate ways that can optimize the utilization of the Nursery and continue to attract the attention of investors whilst a Farmer’s Market has been established to serve as a local outletfor not only the Nursery produce, but also for SMEs who manufacture goods locally. A major milestone for OMDis is the opportunities created by having been awarded the Orange River tourism concession within the Tsau //Khaeb National Park. This is anticipated to be a significant contributor to the development of tourism-related activities and subsequently the creation of jobs in Oranjemund. Not only will investors be sought for lodge development through the concession, but also through tourism activities that will be developed in collaboration with local tour operators. This therefore creates potential for OMDis to become financially independent from Namdeb.OMD2030Within the Oranjemund Town Transformation Plan and Strategy, citizen activation falls under the focus of Transition. Without active citizenry, the town of Oranjemund will not successfully and sustainably transform. It is in this regard that OMD 2030 performs the role of building capacity for citizens through helping them understand their roles and responsibilities as citizens of Oranjemund whilst at the same timeinstilling the pride of being residents of the town and being actively involved in key activities that contribute to the sustainability of the town. OMD 2030 activities are also aimed at changing the mindset of citizens to accept that Namdeb is no longer responsible for the management of Oranjemund town. Some of the activities successfully delivered include the facilitation of training and certification of five local tour guides;training and certification of life-coaches; personal resilience workshops for men and women and monthly fun run/walks and night markets. In addition to the focus on active citizenry and in support of achieving the Town Transformation ambitions of tourism attraction into the town, OMD2030 recently had an opening of the Jasper House Museum launch event on 27th January 2022. The museum will be managed by OMD 2030 and will play a key role in tourism attraction which subsequently contributes to the economic diversification of the town. ON DIAMONDS WE BUILDSince its inception, Namdeb has lived up to the notion of On Diamonds We Build and beyond the borders of Oranjemundthere is significant evidence across Namibia that partnering for thriving communities has always formed part of the Company’s commitments. Namdeb’s extended Life of Mine until 2042 presents many opportunities that supports the Oranjemund town transformation work underway.The successful implementation of the plan provides an extended period during which the Oranjemund town is enabled to diversify and develop new economic activities that will directly benefit the Oranjemund community, //Kharas region and Namibia at large. This success is dependent on collaboration with key stakeholders and the formulation of smart partnerships such as the ones with the Oranjemund Town Council, OMDis and OMD2030. This approach will fuel possibilities that enhance socio economic development beyond mining for the town of Oranjemund. Namdeb, Good today. Better tomorrow.

The Legacy Continues

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-29

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The Legacy Continues

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-29

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