Hertha Ekandjo
Namdeb says it remains optimistic about its future despite facing what it describes as the most severe downturn in the history of the global diamond market, Future Media Reports.
Speaking at the launch of the company’s 30-year commemorative book titled “Mining for Good”, Namdeb Chief Executive Officer Riaan Burger acknowledged the gravity of the challenges currently confronting the industry but stressed that resilience and reinvention are embedded in the company’s identity.
“More than anything else for me, we have gone through so many challenging times,” Burger said. He noted that the company’s resilience — often referred to as “grit” — is deeply rooted in its DNA.
“Our DNA is one of survival, of reinvention,” he said. “As we stand here today, we’re probably facing the biggest downturn in the
history of the diamond market. It’s severe, it’s long-lasting and it’s challenging.”
Burger explained that the company is once again returning to the drawing board to reassess its operations, including reviewing cost structures and operational efficiencies, in response to the prolonged market slump.
He emphasised Namdeb’s confidence is not rooted in external market conditions but in the determination and capability of its workforce.Burger applauded the partnership between the government and Namdeb over the years and described it as one of a kind.
The commemorative publication, “Mining for Good”, reflects on Namdeb’s three decades of operations and its contribution to Namibia’s socio-economic development.
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