Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said that she is not convinced the country has fully harnessed the potential of the mining sector, urging the industry to do more in creating sustainable and quality employment.
“Mining is a sector that contributes immensely to our fiscus. I am convinced that we have not yet exploited the full potential of our mining sector. It is for that reason that we have identified mining in the SWAPO Party Manifesto Implementation Plan as the no. 1 Critical Economic Enabler, out of the 8 priority areas in the Implementation Plan,” she said.
The President made these remarks during a recent visit to the Rössing Uranium Mine in Arandis, Erongo Region. She extended her appreciation to the Rössing Uranium Mine and the Rössing Foundation for their continued commitment to corporate social responsibility and Namibia’s socio-economic development.
“Let me commend the Rossing Uranium management for your leadership and resilience during the difficult years of the mine, including maintaining the production capacity and sustaining your employees. I welcome the extension on the life of the mine from 2027 to 2036 and its long-term viability,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The President highlighted that her visit aimed to encourage ongoing support for national development, and she called on the mine to continue prioritising the welfare of its workers, including fair wages, decent housing, healthcare, and retirement benefits. She also acknowledged the Rössing Foundation’s long-standing contributions in areas such as education, agriculture, health, and community development—but noted that more could still be done.
“The Foundation continues to demonstrate the transformative role that responsible industry can play in building a more inclusive and resilient Namibia. However, I must say there is still room for improvement. Let the residents of Arandis feel they are living in a mining area that is run by people who care about the people who welcome them in their home and their country,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She made it clear that her message was not directed at Rössing alone, but at the entire mining industry. President Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that the sector must do more to provide sustainable jobs, scholarships, internships, training opportunities, job attachments, and funding for young entrepreneurs—initiatives that will empower the next generation and support long-term development.
“We want mining companies to invest in the potential of our youth and the local economies where they operate. We can only uplift communities in a sustainable manner if we create sustainable and skilled jobs that can uplift and strengthen our communities and economy as a whole. That can only happen if the mining industry responds positively to the call of Government to add value to the natural resources in our country,” the president added.
