🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Sossusvlei shuttle ban raises monopoly concerns among Namibian tour operators
via The Namibian6 min read
Namibian tour operators are expressing concerns that a government plan to restrict driving access at Sossusvlei, a prominent tourist destination, could lead to a monopoly and negatively impact the tourism sector. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism announced that, effective May 1, driving between the Sossusvlei 2x4 parking area and the 4x4 parking area Deadvlei will be limited to a few operators. This decision has sparked criticism, with operators like Wild Wind Safaris' senior travel consultant, Lelani Smaruj, stating it feels like a "slap in the face" and will particularly affect small, locally established businesses. Former finance minister Calle Schlettwein labeled the move as "robbing Namibians." The ministry maintains the change will generate state revenue and protect the environment by reducing driving, aligning with an existing contract with About Africa Co. However, industry players, including Paul Brinkmann, managing director of Sense of Africa, question the necessity of an exclusive concession, arguing it benefits one operator and could increase prices for tourists. Gondwana Collection, which withdrew from a nearby concession tender, also raised concerns about the tender awarded to About Africa, citing issues with concession clarity and fair competition. The ministry spokesperson, Vilho Hangula, confirmed that while tour operators can still take clients to Deadvlei through an operator, there is no regulation of shuttle charges in the contract. This follows a pr
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Andrada Mining Limited, listed on the London Stock Exchange, has announced a substantial rise in tungsten grades at its Brandberg West project, with feed material grades increasing from 0.24% to 1.45% in concentrate. The company also noted improvements in tin and copper grades. These initial results stem from ore-sorting test work conducted at the Brandberg West project, which is part of a multi-phased assessment program. This program includes evaluating tailings and waste material from the historical mine and an exploration drilling program. All nine samples showed significant grade increases from the feed to the concentrate due to ore-sorting. Tungsten grade rose from 0.24% to 1.45%, copper from 0.73% to 2.81%, and tin from 0.31% to 2.09%. Andrada chief executive Anthony Viljoen stated that these results validate the economic potential of tungsten as a critical metal at the project, especially given strong commodity prices. He added that the grades achieved from historically mined waste dumps are significantly higher than the global average for tungsten deposits, with high recovery rates. This outcome strengthens Andrada’s confidence as it moves towards larger-scale test batches, positioning tungsten as a cornerstone critical metal in the company’s portfolio. The Brandberg West Mine, located on EL5445, is historically known for its tin, tungsten, and copper mineralization. The initial testing focused on nine grab samples from various locations within the historical mining a
China has committed to supporting Namibia's economic development plans, according to a joint press statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Namibian Ministry of International Relations. This announcement follows a week-long visit to China by Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, who focused on promoting value addition within Namibia. The statement highlighted the importance of cooperation in enhancing the value of natural resources, including critical minerals like uranium, to foster employment and industrialization in Namibia. The two ministries emphasized efforts to integrate Namibia into global industrial chains, particularly in green hydrogen, oil and gas, mining, and tourism. Minister Ashipala-Musavyi addressed the business community in Shenzhen, stating that the relationship between China and Namibia needs to evolve to promote Namibian industrialization and local beneficiation, shifting from an asymmetry where Namibia exports raw materials and imports finished goods. Trade between the two nations reached N$23 billion in 2024, with Namibia primarily exporting uranium, copper, and other minerals to China while importing high-value manufactured goods. The ministers also discussed cultural exchanges through the 2026 China-Africa year of people-to-people exchanges, and Namibia reaffirmed its support for the one-China principle. During her visit, Minister Ashipala-Musavyi met with her counterpart, Wang Yi, and t
Paladin Energy announced an increased uranium production forecast for its Langer Heinrich Mine, now expecting to produce up to 4.8 million pounds of yellowcake in the 2026 financial year, which ends in July. This revised outlook is an increase from the initial forecast of 4.4 million pounds. The company has already produced 82% of its original target with three months remaining in the financial year. Paladin attributed this progress to the successful ramp-up of operations, improved feed grade, and high recovery rates from its processing plant. Paladin owns 75% of the mine, with China National Nuclear Corporation holding the remaining 25%. Paladin is scheduled to release its quarterly results on Tuesday.
Student unions in Namibia are urging the government to implement a fair funding model following the suspension of funding to the Namibia National Students Organisation's Nanso budget. This action comes after allegations of corruption and favoritism were raised by member of parliament and Affirmative Repositioning AR movement leader Job Amupanda on April 14, who claimed Nanso misused funds allocated over the years. Paulus Vihemba, founder and board chairperson of the National African Students’ Association Nasa, welcomed the decision to halt funding to a single union but cautioned against completely removing financial support for student bodies, as it could weaken student representation. Nasa advocates for the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture to develop new funding arrangements that would benefit all three student bodies in Namibia equitably. Nanso president Dorthea Nangolo dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, stating that all received funds were properly accounted for through audited financial statements. However, Natangwe Shikesho, president of the Student Union of Namibia SUN, disputes Nangolo's claim that SUN also received government funding, stating his union has never received such support and operates on members' contributions. Shikesho emphasized that limited funding undermines student bodies' ability to serve students, particularly in remote areas, and called for equitable funding for all organizations.