Owner tight-lipped on reasons for closure
The closure of the Louis Botha convenience store in Windhoek has left residents and nearby workers including students at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (Nust) questioning the reason behind the closure of one of the suburb’s iconic and long-standing neighbourhood shops.
The store, which was known for its ready-made meals, hot potato chips and convenience groceries for decades, stopped operating weeks ago according to regular customers who informed The Namibian in July. Owner of the store Silvanus Hauwanga declined to comment when The Namibian approached him for comment several times.
The reason for the closure remains unclear, although some residents believe increased competition from newly opened businesses nearby may have contributed. Ziggy Mukonda (24) a Windhoek West resident told The Namibia that the closure was disappointing as the store had become part of his daily routine.
“I bought breakfast, lunch and dinner there almost everyday. They even knew me by name,” he says.
Mukonda says although another business has opened nearby, he preferred Louis Botha’s ready-made meals.
“The new place also sells food, but it’s not as good as Louis Botha. I hope they come back one day,” he says.
Another resident, who asked not to be named, describes the closure as greatly saddening, saying the store had become more than just a convenience shop. “Louis Botha was my go-to place whenever I wanted chips. They had the best potato chips, and whether I needed a quick meal or daily essentials, I always knew I could stop there,” she says.
