Ngurare reaffirms government’s support toward Namibian-owned businesses

EDWARD TENETE

Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Namibian-owned business ventures, and recognising their role in elevating the country.

Ngurare said this on Wednesday during a tour of the Hakahana Commercial Printers facility in Windhoek.

The fully Namibian-owned company, run by managing director Max Hamata, employs around 140 people, including mechanical engineers, electricians and interns.

Established over five years ago, the company prints a wide range of materials such as books, health passports, receipts and police dockets, among other items.

“I think when a company is 100% Namibian, we in the government support the Namibian companies, as well as those that are in joint ventures. Nations are built when companies are thriving,” Ngurare said.

He stressed that the government must create a favourable environment for businesses to thrive as creators, because when companies succeed, they generate employment and foster peace and security in the country.

Also speaking at the event, Hamata highlighted a key challenge related to job creation.
“The challenge that we have at the moment, you know, we are exporting jobs to South Africa. For instance, we have publishers like Macmillan. They sell their books to us, but it is Namibian taxpayers’ money that pays for these books. But they print these books, they are creating jobs in South Africa,” he explained.

Hamata also expressed the company’s intention to support the government by offering internship opportunities.
“What we would like to do, with the expansion of this, is to really help the government by recruiting some interns,” Hamata said.

– Nampa

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.