Gondwana’s 2025 Academy Value Tour champions skill and leadership development

Gondwana Collection Namibia has launched the ‘2025 Academy Value Tour’, an initiative of the Gondwana Academy which will be repeated every two years.

First introduced in 2015, the programme is designed to reinforce the organisation’s core values, gain Gondwana product knowledge and experience Namibia through the eyes of our tourists. This tour also celebrates the official launch of Gondwana’s onboarding platform – the first attempt to formulate Gondwana values and make them accessible to the wider Gondwana community. The aim? Starting a movement to make the world a better place.

The Gondwana Academy focuses on professional development through training and skill-building opportunities. As part of this initiative, the tour provides participants with immersive experiences that align with the company’s ethos. For the 2025 edition, 28 employees were selected from a pool of more than a hundred applicants, representing a range of roles across the organisation.

Their inclusion underscores the company’s commitment to talent development and diversity.

Spanning three weeks, the tour covers multiple regions from southern to northern Namibia, exposing participants to varied landscapes and cultural settings. This geographical diversity enhances the learning experience by providing insights into Namibia’s natural and cultural heritage, reinforcing Gondwana’s values.

During the launch event, managing director Gys Joubert addressed participants, highlighting the significance of their selection. “You are not here by chance; we recognise potential in each of you. The outcome of this experience is in your hands and we will cheer you on from the sidelines. Most importantly, embrace and enjoy the journey,” he said. His remarks emphasised the programme’s focus on individual growth and development.

Gondwana Academy facilitator Ume Goldbeck welcomed the participants and encouraged them to make the most of the experience. Tour guide Kurt Schlenther emphasised the importance of personal development, urging participants to remain engaged and open to learning. He noted that each destination presents unique opportunities for growth, reinforcing the programme’s experiential nature.

Additional insights were provided by Gondwana Collection team members, including HR manager Jana Burger and learning and development manager Silke Ahrens. Burger emphasised resilience and adaptability, noting that challenges encountered during the tour would serve as learning opportunities. Ahrens highlighted the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, explaining how each location contributes to a deeper understanding of Namibia’s cultural and natural heritage.

Manni Goldbeck, a facilitator on the tour, provided an overview of the programme’s objectives, linking the historical significance of the sites to Gondwana’s core values and professional development. His remarks contextualised the programme within the company’s broader mission, strengthening its role in fostering corporate culture.

The ‘2025 Academy Value Tour’ remains a key initiative in Gondwana’s employee development strategy, reinforcing leadership skills and corporate values. As participants embark on this journey, they are expected to gain valuable insights, build stronger connections with each other and enhance their professional and personal growth.

Updates on the value tour will be shared on Gondwana Collection’s social media pages daily.