Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Nangolo Mbumba has urged Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) to encourage safe drinking and to support the rehabilitation of those struggling with alcoholism.
“Although the company invested N$900,000 in 2023 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, I would like to urge you to do more in this area. For starters, I envision the day when NBL is not only encouraging responsible drinking but, through practical efforts, supports the rehabilitation of those who have fallen out of the mainstream socio-economic existence due to alcoholism,” the President said.
The President made these remarks at the official opening of NBL’s new wine packaging facility. President Mbumba revealed that the facility, built with a N$394 million investment, includes a new packaging hall, an advanced wine packaging line, and expanded warehouse space. The construction of the venture, President Mbumba added, involved 14 local companies and will enable brands such as Tassenberg, Savanna, Hunters Dry, and Hunters Gold to be bottled, filled, and packaged in Namibia rather than South Africa.
“This value addition will reduce Namibia’s reliance on imports and create many opportunities for local small and medium-sized enterprises. The inclusion of Namibian-owned businesses is a testament to NBL’s commitment to playing its rightful role in the growth of our economy,” he said.
While recognising the significance of NBL’s new wine packaging facility for Namibia’s economic progress, President Mbumba stressed the need for enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility, particularly in promoting responsible drinking. The President emphasised that supporting rehabilitation centres would be a concrete step towards fostering responsible drinking, especially considering the increasing cases of drunk driving leading to road accidents and alcohol-related gender-based violence (GBV).
Photos: Namibian Presidency.
